<p>I am currently a junior in high school, and during freshman and sophomore years, I was very active in clubs, community service, etc. However, this year some things came up that have limited how much time I can spend on these things. I have to be at home to help around the house because my mother has a terminal illness, and my father is working two jobs. As a result, I can't have any leadership positions, and I only do one after-school activity and attend church. I have no idea how long this is going to continue, and I am really worried that schools are going to be turned off by my lack of involvement. I would be fine if I were just applying to state schools and whatnot, but I really want to attend a top school, and I'm worried this is going to negatively impact my admissions. Does anyone have any advice for me?</p>
<p>The only advice I could think of is maybe starting a club yourself at your school. That way you would be in full control of when it meets, have a leadership position, and it would give you more involvement. Depending on how passionate you are it could reflect you in a way that joining normal school clubs wouldn’t. Well that’s just my opinion.</p>
<p>lol, thanks, but if I had time to start and run a club, then I wouldn’t have this problem in the first place, as I could just remain in the clubs that I was already in. I was up for President and Vice president of several clubs this year, but that’s not exactly my problem, which is that I have no time to commit to clubs, ever.</p>
<p>Honestly, your reason for dropping off with the extracurricular activities seems extremely compelling and I would (if I were you) put it in an essay if you think it’s going to be a huge concern. I don’t think any college that you would want to go to would expect you to abandon an ill parent so you can play lacrosse or something.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks. I just basically wanted to be reassured that they would look at it in that light, instead of it being that I’m lazy or something. It’s just very stressful to think about, lol.</p>
<p>They will see it in that light. </p>
<p>You should also ask your guidance counselor to mention your circumstances in his/her recommendation letter.</p>
<p>Many students rethink their extracurricular priorities in junior year. Academically, it’s probably the most difficult year, so cutting back makes sense. It’s also the year that many students get their first job and drivers license. Suddenly, French Club doesn’t seem so important. </p>
<p>Of course, your situation is much more serious, and beyond your control. I am only saying that discontinuing activities is not necessarily a negative on your application. You should never regret the extra time spent at home during your mom’s illness.</p>
<p>If you are now doing a great deal of household chores and child-minding, put that on your applications, possibly as part of an essay. You could also have your counselor address the situation in his/her recommendation. Try to put a positive spin on your home duties - maybe teaching a skill to a younger sibling, or learning to cook your dad’s favorite dishes. You could also spend time on a family album or compile favorite music mixes with your mom. Any of these could make a good topic for an essay, as well as a gift to your family. You will have to grow up faster than your fellow students, and part of that is learning how to deal with life’s most difficult challenges.</p>