Extracurriculars Hurting My Application?

Applying to College
1

<p>Ok, so, apps are in, and its too late to change anything, but this has constantly been on my mind, and it's worrying me.</p>

<p>I transferred to my current high school in 10th grade, and immediately got involved. I am a senior now and participate in the following:</p>

<p>Student Government- SGA President (12th), Junior Class President
Newspaper- Editor-in-Cheif of Production (12th), News Section Editor (11th), Writer (10th)
Yearbook- Senior Section Editor (12th), Page Designer (11th)
Cross Country- Captain (12th)
Tour Guide- (11th, 12th)</p>

<p>I have 200+ hours of community service in school trips and international independent programs. I've gone to Chicago for the past 2 summers for a week with my school to do service. I've also gone to Spain, Morocco, and Peru the past 3 summers (1 summer for each place) to do service.</p>

<p>This past summer I did an internship in Boston for all of July at a local news TV studio.</p>

<p>However my biggest passion is music. I've been playing piano for 12 years, participating in many recitals and state competitions. I was in the winter musical show band in 10th and 11th grade. In 11th grade I was the co-director. This year I am the supporting lead in our winter musical. I wrote my college essay about music and it is clear that that is my main passion.</p>

<p>Now this is my question: Will the fact that I do so many different activities, despite the fact that I hold leadership positions in almost all of them, hurt my application? I was talking to my friend earlier, and he said that since I do so many things, colleges won't have a sense of what I am trying to pursue and what my main focus is. He said they would rather have someone who just focuses on one of these activities and becomes an expert in this one activity, rather than someone who does a lot of things. </p>

<p>My argument is that yes, it would hurt my application if I just did a bunch of stuff that I wasn't dedicated to, just to beef up my application, but the fact that I hold leadership positions in almost all of them should show my commitment to all these activities. </p>

<p>I'm really not trying to come off arrogant by the way. Sorry if that's how I'm coming off. I just want to hear the opinions of others. </p>

<p>The sum it all up: Would I be a stronger applicant if I only did one or two of the activities I do, instead of 6? Would colleges be able to understand who I am better if they saw a clear focus, or is my heavy involvement a quality they like and appreciate?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>I think you answered your own question - apps are in, there’s no use in worrying about it now. Focus your energy on something productive, like making sure you meet financial aid deadlines haha</p>

<p>But my opinion would be, no, your activities seem fine. Sounds like someone who likes to write, play music and is also athletic. Just take a look at some of the “Chance Me” threads…most people have activities that are much more scattered, to the point that they seem meaningless.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, you’re right haha. But it makes me feel better that you are able to picture a person based off of my activities. Because that’s what I was worried about. Any other opinions?</p>

4

<p>I’ve never heard of being too involved. I don’t think colleges need to get a sense of what you want to pursue from your ECs, just that you’re dedicated and hard working, which yours clearly shows. That you’re involved in the leadership of so many of them is a great sign. Mine are all over the place as well. The thing is though, with such a high percentage of students coming in as undecided, and more changing their major, they aren’t going to deny you because your ECs aren’t specific enough.</p>

5

<p>Haha, I’ve never heard of someone worrying about being TOO involved.
Because you hold leadership positions in almost all of your activities, I’m sure colleges will see you as a dedicated, passionate individual. Good luck!</p>

6

<p>I think you’re fine. I was worried about the same thing (and I had upwards of 10 ECs I listed) but I still got into my top choice and fairly competitive school. You don’t come across as a person who just joins a bunch of things to put them on their resume, so I think you’ve got nothing to worry about.</p>