How important are extracurriculars for college admission?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>With a job and so much homework, I quit two sports and a volunteer club I did last year to focus on getting on good grades and my assignments. I'm kind of concerned though that I don't have any extracurriculars to put on my application...Is this a big deal?</p>

<p>Can you be accepted into a top university without many extracurriculars but a high gpa and act/sat?</p>

<p>Which extracurriculars do colleges really care about? </p>

2

<p>

What do you consider a “top university”? Top 20 US News, probably not. If your definition is broader, probably yes.
But your job is an EC. If you have to work and that prevents you from doing other things, colleges will take that into account. </p>

<p>

All kinds. What you do doesn’t matters as much as how much commitment and accomplishment you’ve shown in whatever it is you do. </p>

3

<p>Extracurriculars are important in college admissions. However, do them because you want to, not for the sole purpose of getting into college. It’s about quality not quantity so yes, you can get into a top university without many extracurriculars. </p>

4

<p>ECs are part of admissions process for a reason. They wont put you in ahead of someone who is more qualified, but they will make sure someone who is less qualified doesnt get in.</p>

5

<p>

@DaneBrick But if not for college admissions, I wouldn’t even try to do any extracurriculars at all! The only reason I would even consider joining a club and doing things like that is because of college. Then again, I am a very antisocial person.</p>

6

<p>Remember that extracurriculars don’t have to be organized clubs- they can be hobbies, your job, etc. Your essay about working at a fast food place might be way more interesting than someone’s essay about tutoring disadvantaged kids. People (including colleges) will appreciate you supporting your family.
Also consider doing stuff over the summer when you have less work in school. There are a lot of really cool opportunities, or you can volunteer, be a camp counselor, etc. If you’re antisocial, it might be a good time to ease into something like an internship or volunteering.
Good luck!</p>

7

<p>Depends on the college, actually. </p>

<p>Ex. CSUs don’t check ECs at all, just rigor of classes, gpa, and standardized tests. While UCs is also that, but the Essays and ECs are arguably more important. </p>

<p>That’s why you hear some people getting into Ivy League schools with as low as 2.50 gpa. (unweighted) [source, collegeboard]</p>