<p>In my opinion, I think a lot of people here are missing the point with ECs, most people seem to be putting more emphasis on what the colleges want to see rather then whats in the best interest of the kids. I have a daughter who is a High School Senior, and an IB diploma Candidate who sees her own extracurricular experiences as a tool in finding what interests her. She has had some great opportunities along with some unique experiences because she had had the foresight to try so many varied activities.
When she entered High School she joined what seemed like every club available to her, along with Tennis Team after school. As her work load in class increased the number of activities she was involved with needed to decrease. Now, some three years later as an officer of the only club that she belongs to, the Red Cross Club, because that was the one club that she enjoys participating in the most, and feels she receives the most personal satisfaction because of the activities associated with that club.
The range of summer programs or activities she has gotten involved in also shows a curiosity and willingness to try new and different things. Her first summer she spent in a residential program at the University of California Irvine, studying Bioinformatics and Python programming, followed by a summer as a volunteer/interns at the National Archives in Laguna Beach, California, helping in the preservation and recording of various artifacts. This past summer she gave long distance hiking a try, hiking section G of the Pacific Crest Trail from Walker Pass to Whitney portal where she also had the opportunity to assist an injured hiker out of the back country so she could receive needed medical attention.
We are not sure how colleges will view the limited number of ECs, but I think she believes that she has a pretty good idea of what direction to steer her ship. Rather than trying to meet others exceptions, I can proudly say my daughter is for good or bad is following her own dreams.
Its not about what some school wants to see, it should be about what your kids need to do to find out about themselves.</p>
<p>I’m homeschooled, and my mother has certainly pushed me to do EC’s that are beneficial to me as a person and my education, not so much college directed. While she has encouraged (and made!) me do quite a bit, I’ve also had the freedom to choose my own EC’s. Some of which she didn’t support as much, but in the end, I’ve proven how useful they are.</p>
<p>If you’re not enjoying it - don’t do it. I’ve enjoyed most things I’ve done in highschool, and as a result, I have a passion for learning. I’m really stoked for the challenge of college.</p>
<p>trimbo, I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU</p>
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Hey, that’s great. And if that interest in the Red Cross club gets her thinking about med school, be sure to tell her to take the courses she thinks will prepare her rather than wasting her time taking “required” classes. If her interests lie in business, don’t let her take any internships unless they are part of her dream. And in her college classes, tell her just to complete the assignments that give her personal satisfaction. I mean why ever do what anyone else might expect? Like you said, it’s not about what some professor, grad school, or employer wants to see, it’s about “finding out about themselves”.</p>
<p>\sarcasm</p>
<p>An alternative, I suppose, might be to counsel her that the real world involves accomodation and compromises, to suggest she meld the expectations of others with her personal preferences and figure out a way to advance both at the same time. Nah…</p>
<p>^ I’m surprised to find a long-time poster attacking this new parent with such sarcasm. Why shouldn’t a 14-18 year old use their time and energy to try new things? Should we expect our future doctors to be so focused on the prize that they tailor their every moment of free time toward that goal, starting at puberty?</p>
<p>I think it’s great for kids to be themselves, find their own way, and then be honest on their college applications. It seems a great way to find a college that wants them for who they are, and will educate them for who they want to become.</p>
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<p>Let me see if I understand your logic. People who choose extracurriculars they enjoy = people who want to cut corners and avoid real work? Really? We’re talking about someone’s extracurriculars. God forbid someone devote their spare time to something they enjoy. Because, of course, if you enjoy what you’re doing it must not be meaningful.</p>