<p>So I'm about to start my Junior year in high school, and I've realized that I'm seriously lacking in extracurricular and leadership positions, mainly due to social anxiety. My grades and tests scores are perfectly fine, but it's just that I feel extremely nervous joining clubs or even talking to others in groups I'm already in, and I have a feeling it's going to hurt me in the long run.
Are there any extracurricular you can do that would involve being around less people? Anyone who can relate and still made it out okay?</p>
<p>here are the ECs I have now:
Symphonic/Marching Band
Volunteering/Community service
Arts (I have also won a few art contests and sell art requests online at my blog for extra money)
National Honor Society
Tutoring elementary/middle school students
Writing/literature as a hobby (do hobbies count...?)
I have also housed international students at one point, but I'm not sure if it counts as an EC?</p>
<p>Also, would lacking a leadership position really be that bad? I really don't think I'm able to handle something like that. I'd probably have a nervous breakdown lol
If it really is that bad, my band instructor suggested I try out for a leadership role Senior year, and I guess I'll attempt. I didn't think much of it at first, but now I'm having second thoughts, as nervous as it makes me:/</p>
<p>I do writing as a hobby, too, and I would suggest submitting to a couple contests! Scholastic and YoungArts are the most well-known. You can also try publishing in literary magazines like Winter Tangerine and PANK and Polyphony H.S. if that’s more your thing.
I don’t know about your school, but at our school, you can start a club and not really have any meetings, if that suits you.
I don’t think housing international students in itself counts as an EC, but if you did some sort of community service with them…and you could write an application essay about cultural differences or such.</p>
<p>Thing is, schools do want leaders and kids who can bring something new to the community. Maybe you can start out small, not go for all-school president first, but like a position on a small club or committee.</p>
<p>It’s not mandatory to be in a leadership role to get into college. It might help, but won’t make or break you. Truly it depends on what college you are planning on attending. If participating in groups will make you very anxious and nervous, try building ECs through other methods. No need to be excessively uncomfortable to impress admissions. </p>
<p>Writing is very appealing to colleges as many students walk in freshman year ignorant to the basics. Definitely try publishing in a few magazines. I can even PM you one that publishes creative works. Not sure how your highschool runs, but if they are open to new clubs and ideas, try creating a writing club. Chances are, the student turn out will be low. You don’t even have to hold meetings. The work students send in could be hung up or placed in a magazine type of format. Also, you could work alongside a trusted teacher and some academic research on a country, policy, or area of interest. </p>
<p>Find what makes you feel comfortable and pursue it full force! Best of luck. </p>