I have a question about extracurriculars/volunteering?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm an incoming freshman and I'm in the highest possible level for all freshman classes. But I'm particularly worried about my extracurriculars and volunteering activities. Here are some of the things I'm planning on doing. I'm going to run for school government, likely Vice Principal. By the time I'm a senior, I will have played piano for 12 years, and completed Grade 10 of the National Music Certificate Program. I'm going on a trip to China next year to educate children in poor areas. This will happen after I and a group of others in my Chinese school organize several fundraising activities to raise money to donate to the poor areas. I will also be a Teacher's Assistant at said Chinese school. In addition, in the next 4 summers I will be volunteering about 20 hours a week at my local hospital. Please tell me if any of these are particularly strong activities.</p>

<p>Now, I need some advice on some these extracurriculars that I am considering. Would starting a club mean anything? The club likely wouldn't achieve anything special, so I'm debating whether I should try that. Another thing is sports. I'm considering playing freshman football, and then JV in sophomore and junior years followed by varsity in senior year. But I mean, is it worth the time commitment, especially since this is my first year of playing football? I also really want to do something like start a fundraiser to raise money to donate to the Autism Society (I have 2 autistic cousins). The thing is, I don't know where to start with that. </p>

<p>Thanks to any who help!</p>

2

<p>[Study</a> Hacks Blog Archive Debunking the Laundry List Fallacy: Why Doing Less is More Impressive](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/14/debunking-the-laundry-list-fallacy-why-doing-less-is-more-impressive/]Study”>Debunking the Laundry List Fallacy: Why Doing Less is More Impressive - Cal Newport)</p>

<p>Go to Cal Newport’s site, Study Hacks, for lots of good advise. This is just one example - and its fun to read.</p>

3

<p>Being successful and dedicated in one thing is more impressive than several ECs. That single fact made a monumental difference in my confidence when applying to NU.</p>

4

<p>I think CentralFC is right, and I would add that the key to successful ECs is DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. Don’t ever do an EC because you think it will look good on an app.</p>