How important are extracurriculars?

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am insanely interested in Wellesley:P I searched the whole website & it gave me an impression that the admission criteria is more academically-oriented than most other colleges. </p>

<p>Thank you! :)</p>

<p>Depends. I have friends, who had lower test scores and/or academic stats, but tons of extras who were obviously admitted. I, on the other hand, had very high test scores and strong academic stats, but pretty modest extracurriculars, and was clearly admitted. Obviously, compared to...Harvard, Wellesley can be more forgiving and can accept somewhat more lopsided students, but it's never been clear to me that admissions is focused more on academics than other similar schools generally are.</p>

<p>Edit: How appropriate that I ticked over to 1000 posts on the Wellesley forum!</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I am more of an academically oriented person, I've never really gotten involved much. I live in California, it's easier for me to go to the UCs which pretty much focus only on your academic record, but I want to go to a more "personalized" school:)</p>

<p>I'm going to be a sophomore...I really wish I had done more freshman year! </p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

<p>HI :)</p>

<p>You're a rising sophomore? Not to worry! You have PLENTY of time - don't let it go to waste. And remember to keep your extracurriculars as focused as you can. If they're all over the place, then they won't get an accurate idea of who you are.</p>

<p>Wow I didn't start even thinking about college until my junior year...</p>

<p>Needless to say, in high school I was somewhat of an academic but also had tons of extracurriculars (maybe too much): volunteering, flute, swimming, band, art, computer stuff, etc etc. I didn't have a perfect GPA/scores, but apparently they saw something else.</p>

<p>Traxx has a good point, but I say you do your extracurriculars, as scattered as they may be, because you are truly interested in them. It's a good time to try and discover your interests. Your passion for any new found activities will counter any doubts about what your direction is. Don't worry about what colleges will think! Your life > admissions opinions.</p>

<p>I had lots of extracurriculars, and I got in. You have plenty of time :) Just do what you like, do them well, and study!</p>

<p>Thank you everybody! :)</p>