I’m a junior and what has me most stressed out about the admissions process is the expectation of knowing who you are. Essays ask for the moments that define you, extracurriculars should show what you dedicate yourself to, you should have a major picked out and a life goal and know what you want to do/study/be, etc…
But I’ve just been scraping by! I have no clue what I want to do. My ECs are more like light hobbies/activities I do for fun. I’m not a neat “package” - I have no career or major ideas. I like all my classes. What should I do?? Can I find a way to do something meaningful (EC wise) and choose a potential path/area of study before app time? Help, please!!
If anything, please don’t be stressed. Choosing majors takes time. Consider what your best at and what you can see youself doing. Even in college people can change their majors, although it is best to decide ahead of time. Please thoroughly research the majors, their pay, chances of employment, ect… It will pay off. For example, what can be done with an English major? Little more than becoming an English teacher.
Now about your ECs. In highly selective admissions, these become deciding factors. In less selective schools, they matter less. The ECs at my school may fall in one or more of the following catagories: community service (like Key Club and Quest Club), academic competition clubs (like TMSCA, Texas Math and Science Competitions Association, or debate), academic “hobby” clubs (like Chemistry club), or just plane ol’ “hobby” clubs (like Ping Pong club). Colleges favor those in the community service organizations and in the second listed club type. After some time in the community service club, you may start to enjoy it. These clubs also let colleges know you have a sense of leadership. It isn’t nessecary to be the presedent of twenty clubs!
Back to the main point. Try certain clubs and research majors. The best fit things can be found. Just keep trying. I wish you the best in this jungle of college admissions.
Hi, vallyx, thanks for sharing your concern!
You don’t know what to do, what to commit your life to - you’re, what, 16, 17 years? No one expects you to have life figured out at such a young age (at least, no one who’s honest with oneself). You’re right; some students are dead set on a specific career or major, but others, like you and me, have no clue. You know what? That’s perfectly fine! You’re being honest. 
The atmosphere of college admissions has been taking an unpleasant turn, and with the prevailing thoughts and discourses, it does seem that one is expected to figure out one’s “dream career” and “perfect major.” Let’s be honest with ourselves - yes, some people have those problems solved, but most of us discover these “callings” (if you will) in college.
Ask yourself:
For essays that ask you to “define you,” does the definition of who you are come from the activities that you do, or the desires that lead you to pursue those activities?
Instead of looking at what extracurricular activities could help you to look impressive toward admissions officers, consider why you do the things you do. Yes, because they’re “fun.” But what irks you? What motivates you? What gets you excited at 2am in the morning when others would yawn at the idea and go back to bed?
Your interests and activities can be good indicators of the paths of study you may eventually pursue. And what do you mean by a “meaningful” extracurricular? Curing cancer, discovering a new species of bacterium, winning the Pulitzer?
Bottom line: continue doing the things you love and do them well. The application will take care of itself if you choose to express yourself honestly (and not cater to the schools to which you ultimately apply).