Intensity and quality of involvement in a few selected EC’s is far more important than a “check-it-off” spreadsheet full of low-intensity, low-commitment activities. What will stand out instead are 1. Any true awards, especially ones that come from outside the school (e.g., championships in debate, awards for journalism, art, math, etc.), 2. Any true leadership positions that are earned, e.g., editor (or asst. editor) of school paper, editor of school yearbook.
My kids were selective in their activities. For my son, debate and journalism were very intense and demanding activities for which he won state-wide awards and championships. He didn’t have time for clubs, sports, and community stuff. His grades were very good (honor society) and his test scores were truly exceptional. That was enough! My daughter’s “extras” were mainly focused on her special interests in art. She won awards in city competitions; she spent two summers attending pre-college programs at the Art Institute of Chicago. Other than that she played jv soccer and varsity gymnastics but didn’t excel in those sports. What she did overall was plenty good.
Focus EC’s on a few in which the student has true interest or talent. Use the EC’s to develop skills. Don’t waste time just checking the box.
I keep reading I’m from ND. Not sure where that came from, lol. We live in ID! Thankfully I posted this question before I ever had the chance to stress her out. That is why I asked first because what I was reading didn’t make any sense to me. I’ve always felt she is a very well rounded kid but could easily get stressed if she needed to put anything else on her plate. I was actually glad she decided to quit cheer because I felt it was a bit too time consuming. I stayed out of it and she managed to realize it all on her own.
Check out the book “How to be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport…it talks about how to take an interest and make an outstanding EC with it…also how to be an “interesting” person…
I have encouraged my daughter do certain ECs…but only because I think she would enjoy them…e.g. Choir, Marching Band and Volunteering at the Hospital because she wanted to be pre-med.
HS activities have no effect on medical or other post undergrad school acceptances. I presume the hospital volunteering was to give her a taste of that world.
HS is the ideal time to try many things and participate in things one will not be good enough and/or not have time for later. I would encourage well roundedness- academic, sports and music/arts in activities that interest your child.
She loves soccer and will probably always want to play to some degree though I know in college that might be difficult. She really wants to job shadow so we have been trying to figure out that. The school kind of dropped the ball last semester so we may have to work on that ourselves. She really loves volunteering for the foster kids camp so I can see her wanting to eventually do other things that are similar. I just want to be sure she doesn’t over do to where she gets stressed out. But last year she figured out on her own that the time commitment to cheer just took up too much time. She also really missed soccer but the cheer coach told her she couldn’t do both. I think she is reaching a level of maturity to understand when something is just too much. Also that sometimes you have to choose one thing you like over another if doing both causes stress. It is so cool seeing them mature and start to make good decisions on their own without any input from us.
I think after reading all the posts that she is doing well with what she has. The only thing I think to add is things that will help her decide if being a doctor what she really wants to do. Like the job shadowing. Does anyone know do you just go to the hospital and set it up or is this something that has to go through the school?
If I may, hopefully your DD can present herself as likable and engaged among her classmates & teammates. Not that she needs to come off oily – but genuinely attached to those around her. This is often omitted and can have repercussions.
She can look into volunteering at a hospital. Not sure what kind of shadowing opportunities are available in the medical field. Why doesnt she get a part time job? Colleges really like to see kids working. Of course, much depends on what free time your child has for work, and transport, etc…
Use the website volunteer match, and she can filter for opportunities in areas she is interested in.
"If I may, hopefully your DD can present herself as likable and engaged among her classmates & teammates. Not that she needs to come off oily – but genuinely attached to those around her. This is often omitted and can have repercussions. "
Thankfully this is an area she excels at. Very much liked by her peers and teachers. I have a feeling one great strength in her college admission will be from referrals. One attribute of being a doctor is that they can actually engage with their patients. I do think this would be her greatest attribute as a physician.
"Why doesn’t she get a part time job? Colleges really like to see kids working. Of course, much depends on what free time your child has for work, and transport, etc.
She isn’t 16 yet so she is too young for most positions around here. Soccer is starting in a few days and they practice morning and night. So I’m not quite sure how to fit it in. It is something I think would be great. Maybe she can get something after soccer season is over. I guess it just depends if someone will hire you for just like 2 days/wk.
