<p>I plan to go to grad school and from what I understand, they only care about GPA, GRE scores and research/internships that are related to my field of study. By the time I finish with my master's degree I expect to have 4 years of research experience, 2 theses (thesises?), a couple publications and conference publications and a relevant internship. I know employers like to talk about non academic things in interviews, but for grad school it seems like it's suppose to be all academics all the time. So, do I really need extra curricular activities or would employers focus on my master's degree instead? I mean, I have a few small non-academic things I can put on a resume but nothing real significant, at least in my opinion.</p>
<p>There are 2 clubs that I am considering joining. One of them is a recreational club that I would enjoy very much but it doesn't appear to have many opportunities for me to develop "soft skills". The other I am not sure I would enjoy as much but it has tons of opportunities for development. I only have time for one of the clubs and I really want to do the first one, but I don't know if it is really the best thing for me. I am really not the type to be involved either, so the emphasis on ECs stresses me out a little.</p>
<p>Generally, it helps to look well-rounded, whether it is a job or school. Yes, GPA, research, test scores matter more…but some interviewers may also want to see that you have other interests. Having no ECs is just a hole in the diligence process.</p>
<p>If you mean a PhD program, no they do not care at all about ECs that are unrelated to your field of study. It’s nice because I personally don’t like to join or hold positions in clubs, so there was no pressure to do that or other ECs I was not interested in to get into grad school. I basically focused my time on research and also played in a chamber group. I was also in some other academic things like a research organization, and was a major advisor for freshmen and sophomores.</p>
<p>I would personally just spend time on research if like me, that is what you really enjoy, and do other things that interest you. You can devote as much or as little time to these other activities as you want.</p>
<p>For a science grad school, the research is what matters most. If you are awkward with social situations, improving yourself by getting out and about can be helpful. But for the most part, you will be selected based on past performance, potential to succeed in the specific area, and your affability in interview. That means Having something to chat about that makes you seem like somebody I’d want to have coffee with or invite to my home. So cultivate some sort of nifty hobby - if the recreational club will be FUN that’s a great reason to pick it. </p>