I'm So Sick Of "Impressing Colleges."

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I hate this. I hate how my entire class is doing all of these ECs, and amongst other things just to "impress colleges." </p>

<p>In 8th Grade, everyone who played a sport, played it for fun or in order, to get themselves in good physical shape. Now, some people play sports, just so they can have the chance to be recruited in the NCAA, so they would have a higher chance of getting into the college they want, or to make their college app look better. </p>

<p>In 8th Grade, junior high clubs were small. There were probably only 5-10 students per grade in each club, which means there were probably 10-20 students per club. When I hit into high school, with each grade having around less students than each junior high grade, there are like 50-100 kids in a club. We never get things done in high school clubs, because there are just so many people. And every once in a while, there are probably just 5 or 7 kids who come to a meeting. </p>

<p>So, I was told that since I like Spanish, it would look "bad" on my app, if I don't join Spanish Club. I don't even know Spanish, and kind of would like to learn it before I join the club. And besides, who would want to join a club, where one meeting, there are 100 screaming people there, while one meeting, only 5 people!!!!!</p>

2

<p>Then stop. It’s your life.</p>

3

<p>Unless you’re applying to Ivies or really competitive schools, your EC’s probably won’t matter too much. Some people could even be overqualified if they have a 2-page resume of EC’s.</p>

4

<p>And even if you’re shooting for Ivy League, random school clubs that lots of people are in won’t do much for you – they expect you to be involved, not simply have a lot of things to write down. If you aren’t getting involved in your clubs, find your own ECs out of school.</p>

5

<p>Then stop. It’s worthless to you personally and, if the clubs are as you describe, they’ll be worthless on your apps. Colleges care about involvement, not your ability to put your name on a membership list and show up to meetings every once in a while. Do things you care about, and, when you finally apply to colleges, if they don’t want you, you won’t have wasted your time.</p>