Would I be at a disadvantage if my hs does not have clubs when applying to very selective schools. They have this thing called clubs, but really isn’t, where it Is required to sign up for one and you meet for 25 min during school at the end of the day and do nothing.
Are you allowed to start one? If so, I would create one so I could show leadership skills on my application while also showing that I’m involved in a club.
Clubs and EC’s do not necessarily have to be school-affiliated.
Yeah, definitely get involved outside of your school if you cannot;
a.) start a club
b.) join any clubs
Try to do some things like community service, but also things that interest you. If you were interested in the science/medical field, then volunteering at your local hospital would be a good choice. Jobs also look good on applications but are not necessary. A lot of people cannot work due to school, other commitments, etc.
They are looking for the kind of person who would change that ‘do nothing’ situation, see?
Yes, not participating in any activity beside going to class and doing homework is going to hurt you.
An exception is if you hold a job for many hours a week and have done so for more than a year (then colleges will consider that 15 hours were spent on the job rather than in ECs).
You don’t have to participate in school activities but it’s often the easiest thing to do. If the clubs at your school don’t do anything, create your own and plan things carefully.
Finally, remember that EC’s can keep you out of selective schools, but they can’t get you in - grades, curriculum rigor, and test scores will matter more than ECs.
My old school had a bunch, but they were during school, so they weren’t really considered extra curricular.
You could start one. If you aren’t allowed, you could join one outside of school. The Boys & Girls Club & YMCA have several of them. Volunteering or a part time job is good, too.
Ok, thanks for all the great advice. I will probably try to find something outside of school.