Listing extracurriculars?

  • Would sibling care/babysitting count as an extracurricular? I was obligated to look after my little brother since middle school due to parent working hours, which ultimately led to an inability to participate in HS sports.
  • Should an online individual business be listed under Work Exp. or EC? The business is very small, though I am learning a lot about marketing and a majority of economic/entrepreneurial concepts.

No, care/babysitting should go under jobs. Call it what it is. If you put it under EC you’re belittling it in my opinion. Not that ECs are “lesser” but I think a jobs implies more responsibility at times. Maybe talk to your counselor about explaining your situation. I mean EVERYONE has problems and annoyingly some of them are okay to tell a school about but apparently some of them aren’t. Ask you counselor if it’s okay to.

And for the business…put it under business!!! I think you’re overthinking it. I have the same problem. I have a 501©(3) and I asked my counselor if i should put it under service but he said put it under jobs. After you think about it, it may seem obvious, but i completely understand wanting to make everything perfect (:

Are you using the Common App? There are no longer separate sections for clubs and jobs on the Common App. They are all in one Activities section, and babysitting/ family obligations are 100% legitimate to include. But be positive about it. Do not take the stance that it prevented you from joining sports or clubs; instead, talk about the important responsibility of your role.

I was pertaining to the UC ‘activities and awards’ section, but I do understand what you mean by listing it as a positive. I’m certainly going to incorporate it into my essays. Thank you!