<p>I don't understand how these super human people can fit 5-6 EC activities during school. Do these clubs even meet on a regular basis or are there no penalty for missing meetings. I'm in football and track. Practice is every day in the fall and every day on the spring. You cannot miss practice and if you do, you miss a quarter or even a full game/meet. </p>
<p>Along with this, I'm in student council, weightlifting, and considering joining speech and debate if possible. It's extremely difficult to find time because each club prioritizes themselves over others. As a rising junior, college is around the corner. As I see numerous resumes and transcripts I can't help but be in awe at many students who juggle 7+ clubs while holding an office and being captain of some sport. How is that possible? Sorry if this seems like a rant.</p>
<p>I think that people with that many clubs are just padding their resume. I volunteer around church, play piano, play guitar, and that’s about it, and I got into Northwestern. I showed passion in those areas, and so they liked what I did (apparently).</p>
<p>Depending on the school or the club, it may be easier for some than others. I do sports and am involved in theatre, which both have daily practices during their respective seasons, but don’t start until after clubs finish. And some club advisers are more lenient than others (you can come, sign in, and leave). Unless you plan on going to an Ivy league school, or something near it, as long as you have some EC’s, that’s usually enough. No need to over-exert yourself.</p>
<p>I agree with Chapter2400. Selective colleges are looking for students with a serious commitment of between 1 to 3 years in each of their EC’s. They are NOT looking for a laundry list of EC’s that you spent 1-2 hours on each per week. Depth is far more important the breadth. If you’re doing more than 6 EC’s, you may be stretching yourself too thin – at least in terms of the college applications process.</p>
<p>I guess some schools allow students a great amount if leeway. They can just sign up and come every other blue moon to stay in the club. Thanks to all that answered. I prefer the EC that I do now anyway.</p>
<p>From what I’ve seen, most people who do this burn out once they get to college.</p>
<p>I have a friend who’s also a rising senior; next year she’s gonna be President of Debate, President of JETS, President of Science Olympiad, Captain of the Drill team, and in a bunch of time-consuming activities. I was initially super happy for her, but now I’m just worried. Having a lot of leadership positions is stressful, especially President for multiple clubs during first semester of senior year.</p>
<p>I’m sure my friend would’ve impressed colleges just as much if she concentrated her attention on a few ECs that she really loved and then truly showed passion in them. Just do what you love, and do it well. That’s my advice (:</p>
<p>And FWIW: When colleges say they are interested in leadership qualities, many students assume they are looking for captains of athletic teams, or presidents of student councils, or editors of newspapers. And sometimes they are. But more often than not, as colleges are academic institutions, they are looking for leaders in the classroom. They are looking for students who not only contribute to the classroom conversation, but dynamically lead the discussion. They are looking for students who constantly raise their hands and have thoughtful opinions. Colleges are looking for your teachers to confirm your leadership qualities in their recommendation letters, with concrete examples such as those that are on MIT’s website: <a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs[/url]”>http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs</a>. It’s not enough just to have great essays, EC’s and awards. Selective colleges are looking for students who will make a difference, those who will be remembered for years to come.</p>
<p>I have 3-4 club meetings a week, one of them I skip occasionally if I have a ton of homework but usually go to. I also do several ECs outside of school which I rarely skip. It is not as time consuming as it seems. I am usually home by nine (some days I have one EC after another) and I do some of my homework in school which means I can get the remaining homework done by midnight (and that is with me being lazy and working slowly).</p>