Hi the CC Community. I have seen a lot of posts about quitting ECs “after getting admitted” but can’t seem to find any post talking about doing so “after submitting the application” so I decided to ask for your opinion.
I am currently having too many ECs at schools and off-campus. If I quit one EC (Student Government official - it’s an elected position, not appointed), do I have to report to the college I applied to and will it have a drastic disadvantage to my application?
The reason I want to quit is because my school’s student council is too toxic and takes up too much time. I believe keeping my grade decent in the 2nd semester is more important than wasting time doing something I don’t want to do.
Again, thanks in advance for your insights.
I see no harm in quitting one activity, especially as you seem to have several others in which you remain involved, and this one is a “toxic” environment.
You shouldn’t have to report it, as it is not a class. I would check with your guidance counselor, however, just to be sure. In our high school, kids do register for activities, and I suppose it is possible that data could be attached to one’s final transcript sent at the end of the year. I can’t see any college making a big deal out of one activity, though. For all they know, you had a schedule change that forced you to choose between two activities, and you had no choice in dropping one. Cover your butt, but assume it won’t be a big deal. Do have a face-to-face talk with the club’s teacher/advisor to let them know you are leaving (don’t just stop showing up without any word at all, even if things are bad) and get help with any necessary plan to turn over your duties.
I would not encourage anyone to blanket-quit ALL ECs after acceptance. You might find yourself unhappy at your college of choice only to then discover your high school record still has a role in a freshman or sophomore transfer application (and you will have burned some bridges). Plus, younger classmates may still need leadership and guidance in running and smoothly transitioning the club. Depending on the activity, you may not be invited or included in some senior recognitions that many clubs and sports do, thus missing out on some very memorable “trip down memory lane” moments. That’s just me, though.
Thank you so much for your suggestions!