<p>I'm a junior, and I'm worried that I don't have enough extracurriculars. I have been playing an instrument for 7 years now (take lessons), but I am only in my school's music ensemble (we dont' have orchestra or band), not in an outside orchestra (was thinking of joining one, but would it be too late?) I also am in a community service club, that I now co run with my friend (10th and 11th grade) (my school doesn't have club positions like president, etc.)
I'm interested in medicine, so I've been volunteering at a hospital this year, 2 hours a week. I was thinking of also volunteering with my dog with one of those dog therapy programs where you go to hospitals with your dog.
I sort of have a job; I babysit once a week for a family I know.
For hobbies, I like knitting, cooking , and photography, but I don't know of any way to show colleges that I like these things. Like I'll cook things at home, etc, but it's not like I'm an accomplished chef lol.
Also, I don't play a sport but really wish I did, so I was thinking of just starting to play a sport on my own (not on a team, probably tennis) on the weekend.
I've seen the extracurriculars some people on this site have, and mine look really weak compared to them. How can I strengthen my extracurriculars, and are they as weak as I think they are?</p>
<p>It is better to have a focused list of things you really love to do than to have a long list covering a broad waterfront. Some schools will look at that as joining solely to increase ECs.</p>
<p>I'm sort of in the same situation. I have pretty weak ECs because a lot of my hobbies aren't really quantifiable and probably aren't worth listing. Like I take horseback riding lessons. But its only once a week for an hour, so its nothing worth listing on an app...</p>
<p>But I agree with Erin's Dad, just do something that interests you. You can even combine some of your interests. I know a lot of people who are in all these crazy activities, spending so much time on them but absolutely hating them. I'm really stubborn and refused to do things that I wasn't interested, which may hurt my application in some ways, but in other ways I'm glad I didn't.</p>
<p>Instead I just took something I was really interested in. For me, thats animal welfare and art. So I started working at a humane society. And then I started doing commissions and art requests, and I've made my own website and I'm turning it into a business, and I'm donating all the proceeds to the shelter I work at.</p>
<p>I don't really know how that is going to go over on college apps, but its a huge time commitment and I think it will show that this is something I care about. And even if it doesn't help at all to me it is worthwhile doing because I enjoyed it!</p>
<p>Sorry I don't know if that made any sense at all. ...I think what I'm trying to say is just find something you enjoy!</p>
<p>It depends a lot on where you're applying and what your other stats look like. Basically, though, depth is better than breadth. The fact that you've been playing an instrument for 7 years could help you if you play it up on your essays, and with an interest in medicine, volunteering at a hospital will also look good. Although if you still want something more I'd say go with your interests. The last thing you want to do is join something that you have absolutely no interest in (especially since it would only be for one year).</p>
<p>Just go out and find something that is interesting. I started volunteering at a local science museum because I like science and quite frankly the museum is way fun to go to. Even though it is geared for kids i love all the exhibits. Even though i am a senior and already into college i still volunteer there. I really just lovebeing there.
find something you want to do. don't just look for something that will get you hours. if you are really into music you could go and play benefit performances to raise money for a cause. or play at retirement homes. there is a lot you can with music. Play at benefit functions for your school.</p>
<p>its about the quantity seriously.</p>
<p>people have to stop thinking that. its about the quality.</p>