Internal Conflict between Extracurriculars

Applying to College
, ,
1

I’m a rising junior and I’m right now in the process of figuring out my schedule for junior year, but I’m having a conflict between two of my extracurriculars.

I’m thinking about a Computer Science major and possibly a History minor.

The problem is that there is a Computer Science Club at my school, it’s usually the club that enrolls in contests and has a lot of lectures/projects on advanced computer science topics…etc. It’s really interesting, BUT the club leader…makes me kind of uncomfortable? I joined freshman year before covid hit, and he deliberately picked on me a lot, made slightly uncomfortable sexual jokes (I’m a really short female and he was kind of tone-deaf).
When I asked a question about something he considered basic, he belittled me a little. The club is so much fun, but I have no other friends there (unlike the rest of the club members) so I kind of stopped coming to meetings and then the pandemic hit.
It’s not just him, there’s a strong “holier than thou” attitude there and as someone who learned computer science much later than elementary school it really hurts. I’m learning in high school

There’s another club that meets at the same time, and it’s our Quizbowl/History Bowl club. It’s actually struggling with a student problem because almost all the active students are rising seniors. A kid contacted me from history class, saying that they remembered me doing good in class and suggested I join. I’d be able to actually compete right off the bat in that club (In the CS club there’s a big waiting line) once I make the team.

My dad thinks I should stick with the CS club (I haven’t told him the details about the club leader because the kid’s really influential in the high school…I know my school would probably act if I complained but I don’t want to be an outcast) but he’d support me in quizbowl.

All the other kids who left CS club went to things like Debate, which I would love to do…but it’s a LOT of money. My dad’s a single earner, he’s not young, my mom has health problems and I have a baby sister. I can’t do that to him.

Quizbowl is actually somehow cheaper because the team does a lot of successful fundraisers.

Would it look bad if I didn’t join the Computer Science club when I was thinking of majoring in it? I’ve only recently fallen in love with it, but I’m part of an app team, and I’ve done a few hackathons and pet projects to build up my skills.
I feel like I can maybe apply Computer Science to another activity of mine, but I would probably internally hate being in the club. It’s just eating me up because they do all those school-specific contests :((

I’m not sure this is even the right place, I’m pretty new to CC.

2

This is easy. If you have room for one thing, pick the one that’s most meaningful to you. Colleges want you to pursue your passion and describe it. Make it stand out as you write about it. Take a leadership role. Describe your accomplishments with flair and passion.

Two is a better # than one so if you have room for two or if you have a job or sport or religious group, that’s good so you have depth.

Joining a club and for the wrong reason, btw, is silly. Joining quiz bowl will show you are well rounded, communicate, work as part of a team. Most importantly you seem passionate about it.

Perhaps you can find a way to participate in CS too so you show continuity. But avoid the leader. Or find a way to get along and then you have a college essay answered. Discuss a time you had to work some you didn’t get along with. How did you handle the situation? What was the outcome?

My opinion though is that QB is your passion, desire so put your energy there. You do need something though that shows length of time commitment if possible. But no reason to torture yourself. You’re a kid. It will be fine. And it won’t meaningfully impact your college application. It may even enhance it. They have enough CS club types in CS. Bringing aNother perspective can help. Good luck.

3

Does your school offer a CS class you could take instead of participating in a club? My son took 3 CS classes in high school but did not participate in the club.

4

Yes! I’m finishing the Computer Science track and I’m taking the most advanced class offered next year!
I will also have taken 3 CS classes in school.

1 Like
5

I see what you mean! Unless timings change next year (which is actually quite possible with covid restrictions) it’ll be pretty hard to do both.
I don’t think it’s possible for me to get a leadership role in the CS club, because as stated, I started kind of late and we have USAMO finalists and much more accomplished people who would probably take over.

I think it’s a possibility in quizbowl though, every single one of the leaders will be graduating this year, and they’re struggling with getting younger people.

I do Science Olympiad, and I’ve done that for many years. I’m guessing that would probably show more continuity. I do need to work on depth however. I also am struggling with awards. I have one “special mention” but that was as a team and not really a strong award.

6

You do not need the CS Club- and you don’t need to be a leader in a club either. If you want to do something that sets you apart, do something outside of school, maybe volunteer since classes cost money. The quiz bowl sounds fun and you are definitely wanted there.

The bullying behavior of that other CS Club member is not okay. Especially toward a female in a CS club. I have read many stories of females in math or CS clubs being treated poorly, as if they don’t belong. I understand the consequences of reporting this student but maybe other are experiencing this and you or your parents could talk to someone together.

1 Like
7

Don’t worry about awards or honor societies. Get strong grades, take a rigorous schedule, and partake in things that interest you. I promise if you do those things, there will be many a solid college for you. Leadership is a bonus but not everyone gets the opportunities.

Awards and Honor Societies are seen as fluff. Yes some Honors Societies do stuff and if you can define that great. But most simply join, do the minimum and list that. Colleges know.

Be your best you. Follow your passions, not your dads. It will all work out.

Ps @compmom is right. The other person has issues. I didn’t realize you are female. I try not to take note. We are all people but in reality it will help u in CS. The other person is wrong. Maybe it’s maturity. Maybe they don’t realize. If you talk to the faculty sponsor they may be able to help. They may even see it but ignore it as no one reports it. For the young man bullying it can also be a learning opportunity because long term that will hurt him. He literally may not realize.

8

You have two short years left to be a kid; spend them doing something that brings you joy, not to pad your resume. If you love quiz bowl, stick with quiz bowl. If you want to branch out to try another CS type of club for fun, maybe try robotics? They’re usually looking for good coders. ECs should reflect you; not the other way around. Do what you love with passion, and that will show through on your apps.

1 Like