Extracurriculars in Areas Not What You Want Go to College For

<p>Not sure if there's already a thread for this, nor am I sure this is the right place for this...</p>

<p>Anyhow, I'm currently a Sophomore in high school, and I'm pretty sure I want to go into the STEM fields, as I am good at math, and I really enjoy computer science (I've been doing a bit of coding on my own since 8th grade). As this is the case, I've taken the two pilot introductory courses in computer science at my school. I'm in top 10% in my class, and I'm taking 3 APs this year (5 next year).</p>

<p>BUT...</p>

<p>That's not what I'm worried about. Call me paranoid, but as a Sophomore who's seen many of my Senior friends rejected from their top choices, I'm painfully aware that my school is not the top school in the area by any stretch of the imagination, despite it being 25 grand per year. That being the case, I thought that the best way for me to stand out is to participate in Extracurriculars. This year, I started a Model UN club, and it's largely student run, with me being the de facto leader, and our first conference in early April resulted in awards. I plan on starting a couple more clubs this year in preparation for next year (FIRST Robotics Team, Computer Science Team, Math Olympiad Team).</p>

<p>However, over this past spring break, while applying for Ross and PROMYS (number theory camps), I found myself often multitasking while arranging for conferences next year for Model UN. </p>

<p>My question (finally) is should I place more emphasis on the math and STEM extracurriculars over Debate, Model UN, etc.? </p>

<p>This came to head in semester 1, when speech season was in full swing, but also, I was pressured by my parents to prepare for the AMC (I didn't do very well). Recently, for our state invitational math olympiad, I was painfully aware that I, being one of the top students in my school, was outclassed tremendously. I want to continue participating in Model UN and debate, but should I sacrifice more of that time for more studying in something that will be more prevalent in my future?</p>

<p>(sorry for the long post and the awkward wording of the title)</p>

<p>Colleges rarely need successful applicants to be laser beam focused on major/career – even Ross. Do what you’re best at, enjoy the most – as long as you show yourself to be a top scholar, your ECs’ flavor won’t hurt you. Model UN or a Math EC – success and dedication are what colleges want – not that you’ve checked off boxes.</p>

<p>be well rounded. show committment to a few things, excell in them.</p>