<p>I know many of us have heard that UC schools tend to be more number-based than other schools. In addition, extracurricular activities are not as emphasized in the Berkeley admission process. I am very concerned since I have always been a fairly shy person. I am not very social.</p>
<p>My question is - how big of a role do extracurricular activities really play?</p>
<p>EDIT: also, are there any Berkeley admits here that would like to share their own experiences? or about someone they know?</p>
<p>EC's are incredibly important. Though they certainly are the primary factor, ECs allow a university to identify what kind of involvement at school you're in and whether or not you will contribute to the university.</p>
<p>Most universities, including Berkelely, occasionally reject applicants with great GPA, SAT scores, etc. because they do no participate in ECs. Typically, universities seek "well-rounded students." </p>
<p>Doing community service often can replace ECs; but a healthy balance of both is necessary.</p>
<p>Thus, ECs may not tbe the primary factor, but they certainly should not be underestimated when it comes to deciding if the student is admitted or not. In the end, it is better to have ECs and certainly not "okay" not to have any, unless of course, you've been working on a science project that deals with unexplored territory or you're writing the next great American novel.</p>
<p>Cal and the UCs in general are a numbers game. I do not refute this. However, ECs can be incredibly helpful and sometimes prove more useful than an SAT score or GPA. It provides the Admissions Committee a different perspective of the applicant. When it comes to two applicants with relatively the same numbers, ECs become crucial.</p>