<p>How much do they matter? I have been in probably about none. I was in Hockey for a while.</p>
<p>A lot for the really top schools, less as you go down the ranks.</p>
<p>depends on what colleges you apply to and your GPA/SAT scores. If you are looking at your state school where you far exceed the average GPA and SAT you can get in with minimal ECs. My friend got into Maryland with average grades, average SATs, and very few ECs (violin but not in school orchestra, and a few clubs as a participant). You can get into college without ECs. However, you will not get into a selective one.</p>
<p>So, I would have to get into some ECs to get into a selective one? They matter that much? </p>
<p>Well I just turned 17 how long do I have to spend on them? I homeschool does it have to be at school? I think I should get into some if that is true.</p>
<p>Never mind I work a lot at my mom's store I think that would count?</p>
<p>yes, this worries me too. I have not participated in any ec activities neither.</p>
<p>will volunteer work/community service be ok for most state schools?</p>