<p>Yeah, basically the title says it all. I feel impelled to do peer tutoring, volunteering, and other clubs that I don't really have a passion for just so it would look good on a college recommendation. (of course, I haven't signed up yet.) There are two activities I really enjoy and have gotten recognition across the school (and even state) for. </p>
<p>I'm a freshman, so I have more time to decide. But what do you guys think? Do you feel the same way sometimes?</p>
<p>Run... run while you still can!!</p>
<p>The first step is to admit you have a problem. The second is to get off this site.</p>
<p>Well, when I was a freshman, I only did the ECs that I enjoyed doing (science bowl, science olympiad, math, CX debate, and guitar, but that's it). I liked them so much that I wanted to go the practices, and I wanted to work at them, and then I got some leadership positions in them. </p>
<p>And, then when college decisions came, I got into some tough schools (Duke, Caltech, Harvard), while some of my other friends, who had higher GPAs, and more ECs were getting rejected. The bottom line is that leadership roles are more important than volume. Join some clubs that you honestly like to do, because being in one that you don't like won't really get you anywhere. IMO, it's better to have a good position in 2 or 3 clubs than to just be in 8 or 9.</p>
<p>And, if you can't find a club for something you like, find some like-minded people AND MAKE ONE. That probably looks great. Don't do anything because you feel like you need to, do it because you want to. You'll be much happier that way (in high school and beyond).</p>
<p>Firelight, I'm a senior, going through the stresses of college applications now. And, while proletariat2 and Shrinkrap might be cheeky in there posts, they have a very valid point: You're a freshman, enjoy high school.</p>
<p>I had a similar mentality as a freshman- join a bunch of easy clubs, pad my r</p>
<p>Don't join activities you don't like for the sake of college. It'll just make you feel miserable. My freshman year, I forced myself through several activities that I didn't enjoy because I thought they would look good on resumes. I couldn't take it in 10th grade anymore, so I dropped all the activities that I hated and just did things that I enjoyed. Now, I'm a senior, and I have leadership positions in those activities that I like doing because passion really shows through. Plus, I'm much happier, and that's very important.</p>
<p>Wow, somebody actually said I have a valid point. Well, half a valid point - I guess I have to share it.</p>
<p>If you start playing video games, you will stop feeling this way. :D</p>
<p>^ I wasted too many friday/saturday nights gaming. I regret wasting my high school years in front of a 25in screen :(</p>
<p>Myrmidon is absolutely right. I had the privilege of being a founding member of a club at my high school, and I ended up becoming the president for two years. Our club became one of the most recognized student organizations, and we even won a lot of significant grants. I bet none of you would have guessed this club was a Japanese Animation Society. Do what you love people.</p>