So I’m a freshman in high school taking medical oriented classes (Principals of Health Science) but I’m interested in Computer Science. I want to take it next year but I don’t know if should because of limited volunteer opportunities. For example, if I’m showing interest in the medical field I could do HOSA, volunteer at a hospital and shadow a doctor or intern at an animal shelter (that kind of ties up with veterinary). But if I take Computer Science, my school doesn’t offer any sort of clubs that correlate with CS & volunteering is limited in CS. I could probably be a STEM intern but that’s about it. Should I show that I am a well-rounded person (internship at an animal shelter, hospital volunteer, ECs) or should I volunteer and do stuff that wounds back to my future career (software engineer)?
Things done in high school help shape your interests and future academic plans. You may even find your niche. From posts on CC, it seems that CS is a hot major with many applicants competing for limited slots at better rated schools. Working with a vet seems cool and does point to an important career path with pets and large and exotic animals. Perhaps sampling opportunities is a better choice than honing in on your potential major now.
Don’t worry about volunteering specifically for cs. It is good to branch out and volunteer for a cause you believe in and can stick with. Select a volunteer activity that you can continue throughout high school - it is better to have one long term commitment than a bunch of short term activities.
Don’t do activities only to make your college applications look good. What you think looks good and what AdComs think looks good are separate things. Instead do things that you enjoy which demonstrate the real you.
If there are no STEM based activities, perhaps you could take some initiative and start them. Or volunteer to build a website for an animal shelter to make more cat/dog adoptions possible. That kind of thing to show your tech interest with what is available.
ECs are not limited to activities controlled by your school. Nothing is stopping you from building your own website, contributing to open source projects, or any other CS-related activity that may interest you. The top schools, in fact, are actually looking for leadership and initiative so the things you do on your own will stand up more than just being the next kid to sign up for some club at your HS.
Also look for summer programs in CS at the local college or out of town if you can swing the cost. There are some good high school programs out there but they are competitive. Start looking for them early.