<p>Sorry if this is the billionth thread of its kind. I've been poking around here, and I've heard people mention that you don't want to be "too diverse" in the extracurriculars you participate in. Now, my school doesn't really offer any science or math related extracurriculars, which is what I'm really into, and which is the bulk of my classes. I participate in my school's mock trial team, though, and we usually rank 1st in the state (we got second this year, which is something I'm still fuming about). I also participate in a community children's choir, am planning on trying out for the school musical next year, and have applied for a job being a homework grader/tutor for my town's accelerated math program thingy. Those activities take up pretty much all of my time, and there really isn't anything else that I can do, and nothing that I want to drop. I absolutely love everything I'm doing. So my question for you is this: are my extracurriculars too diverse? Do you think it looks like I can't make up my mind, or that I just happen to have a rather broad span of interest? If you answer the former, do you have any suggestions as to what I could do to fix this?</p>
<p>Sorry if that was long. :P Thanks for your time!</p>
<p>It depends on what universities you’re aiming for. For UC’s (which I am most familiar with), a broad and “diverse” extra curricular list isn’t bad at all - they just want you to be involved. I was involved in things from varsity tennis captain (CIF semi-finalists) to president of science club and everything in between. I got into all the UC’s and waitlisted for Cornell. </p>
<p>It seems that you are interested in science and math related extra curriculars so if you do decide to drop something (although I know you mentioned you don’t want to) but should something happen - think about starting a science or math club at your school. Being a founder and president of something shows you’re really dedicated and passionate about that particular thing.</p>
<p>“I absolutely love everything I’m doing.”</p>
<p>This is what really matters. Not how many activities. Not the specific activities. All that truly matters is that you love what you are doing. Colleges and universities that look at ECs want to know something about you as a person. If you love your ECs, and can tell someone why you love them and what you have learned by participating in them you will be fine.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to change a thing.</p>
<p>I absolutely agree. You can show how much you care on your application by highlighting your achievements within your activities. For example, your success as part of the mock trial team is something that admissions officers will recognize takes time. It’s better to be very active in a few activities than not active at all in a ton of activities. It sounds like you’re doing great work. Keep pursuing your passions!</p>
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<p>Dan
[Discus</a> Awards](<a href=“HugeDomains.com”>HugeDomains.com) - Recognizing high school students for their extracurricular activities</p>
<p>Impressive? Not particularly (Mock Trial is awesome, but it’s a team accomplishment), at least compared to some of the crazy kids I’ve seen accepted to top schools. But too diverse? Nah. You’re involved, and it’s rewarding–good for you!</p>