How important are extra curriculars related to your major?

Applying to College
1

I really like business and math, and I was considering majoring in economics, so most of my extracurriculars have been FBLA -focused. However, I am now considering majoring in just math- I’ve always liked it, but never did many competitions, clubs, etc, just enjoyed studying it- I did a small library program for kids in math, but that’s about it.

I’m an upcoming junior, and I could join math club, but I personally don’t really like Olympiads and other competitions that much- is it necessary if I want to major in applied math or pure math or math/econ to start doing math EC’s my junior year?

2
  1. It's only gonna matter if you are trying for a top 25 school.
  2. Anecdotal evidence is not proof, but I had 2 kids get into Northwestern Engineering, and neither had any engineering ECs.
  3. IMHO - and what I told my kids - the key to ECs is to ONLY do what YOU want to do - and then find a school that likes what you did. :) Good luck!
3

I agree with @nugraddad. D is at a top 25 school, and her ECs had nothing to do with her major(s). I also give my kids the same advice: ECs are for exploring your interests, so choose those that interest you.

4

Agree, there is no need to have ECs in the area you plan to major in. Never do something you have no interest in just to pad your college application – it is better to find things you love and let your passion and energy shine through. My kids both used their ECs to do things they really enjoyed that were not related to their projected major and had no issues getting into college.