Take a peak at my extracurriculars, please?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I was wondering if I looked like a "padding-résumé" type of person. Honestly, I cherish each and one of these things I do outside of school, but the funniest thing is that I love science -- I love research. With that, would I look like that type of student that just does everything fosho? Yeah, I should show you the list... I am currently a sophomore and will become a junior next school year. Here ya go:</p>

<p>DECA (11-12)
It's also required to take the marketing class at my school, by the way, and the class is only available to juniors or seniors. The teacher I'll be doing this with already told me that I'll be doing research with her (30 page papers etc.), so I think that'll be awesome, since my Economics experience and a bit of Statistics will tie in!</p>

<p>Econ-Club (11-12)
I'm the founder of this club. I absolutely adore economics and wanted to get things running and hopefully be as competitive as our rival school, who has a pretty solid economics program over there.</p>

<p>Speech (10-12)
I used to be timid... Now, I'm not :)</p>

<p>Tennis (9-12)
Mah sport.</p>

<p>Weightlifting (9-12)
I think this also shows my independence both in-class, since I've taken advantage of the school policy's ambiguity and "independently studied" a course for free...and now I'm planning to do a few more :)... But yes, I used to be William Taft, and now it's like... Haha, yehhh...</p>

<p>Mock Trial (10-12)
I did always have a thing for going to law school... And I kinda liked the experience... So hmmm...</p>

<p>Student Council (11-12)
I''m technically part of it now, but I just was voted into it. I really want to change what my school views student council as -- a bunch of people hanging fatuous posters for dances and esoterically marching toward class. I feel I can make that difference. Especially with how speech changed me to a much more confident person (actually, me losing weight from weightlifting and now gaining ;) is what helped it a bit also), I feel I can be that change.</p>

<p>National Honors Society (11-12)
I don't know how this will go. I've heard it's a good experience, but we'll see. </p>

<p>Babaysitttttingggg (9-12)
I babysit my awesome cousins. They're usually infants (a few months to a few years), and I usually get new ones to take care of once my uncles and aunts do some of their magic. I do have to admit I like to do psychological experiments on them, though... Let's say they're selfish little noobs.</p>

<p>Tutoring etc. (10-12)
I've gotten a job at Kumon, and I'll see how I'll be able to fit that in my schedule, but for now, I've noticed that my best way to "give back" to my community is through tutoring. I can do some heavy lifting now and then, but my desire to instill a legacy -- I think -- is being succeeded with tutoring.</p>

<p>I know this is very broad, but I'd just like your first impressions. Am I doing too much? My motto is that if you can take it off your sleep, do it. Thanks!</p>

<p>P.S.
Regarding that science thing, I'm hooooping to get science research in before I'm off to college. That being said, how would I look as a candidate for those research summer programs? I've tried to get a science olympiad at my school, but it hasn't worked out so well. Conversely, our neighboring school has gone to nationals and done... Pretty damn well... Meheahoiwjfawvoiwjf.</p>

2

<p>Can I just get some feedback, plox? Thanks :D</p>

3

<p>:D?</p>

4

<p>You’re doing better than I’m doing! Currently, your projected electives fit well, but it seems that if you want to go into sciences, it’s going to look a bit dual-interested, but could still work. I understand the interest in random things as well as science (I’m interested in speech and programs like debate or MUM, but also computer science, but also natural sciences…) but it might be harder. I would suggest internships during junior year at nearby universities for science research, or trying and getting a team together for scientific competitions like that. I think that as for more advanced science programs, it will be harder without something similarly related on your past ECs, but if you can start something during junior year, junior-senior summer you can try for really hard science based summer programs…
look at the “what are my chances” for common ECs that kids do; there are a lot related to science and research like the Summer Science Program (SSP) or RSI (really hard).</p>

5

<p>Very impressive! I would just warn you to not over do it. You obviously have many interests which is normal, just beware of joining too many clubs where you end up so over committed that you are no longer an effective member in any of them. If you truly enjoy what you are doing without over extending yourself, and can still keep your grades up, then your dedication and passion will be obvious to anyone. Just have fun and don’t stress about what adcoms look for in an app. They are looking for the REAL you. Summer programs are a great way to explore other interests but don’t do them because you think it will look good on your app. Be sure to have some down time to chill out and have fun during the summer. It’s OK to be a teenager and take a break from school/activities. Part of becoming a successful person is finding balance in your life. So keep up the good work, and relax, you’re doing great!</p>

6

<p>Thanks everyone for the feedback! I was actually planning to apply to many summer research programs, but the big problem I’d run into is that I don’t look that very science-y on paper, eh? I pretty much read out of an ap bio and ap chem textbook for the hell of it if that means anything… Haha. Thanks!</p>

7

<p>My only suggestion is that you focus on the impact of your EC’s how are they changing you/ how are you changing the world.</p>

8

<p>There are way too many here and nothing that stands out or is original. Thousands of applicants do this, so you have to find something solid to stand out. Try to get started on that research thing and focus in on 4-5 activies. </p>

9

<p>Is it fine I keep doing everything though? I’ll definitely make sure I show my passions, but I don’t want to just abandon my pals (especially if they’ve literally grown up with me as babies). Also, I like to have fun at times. For example, though I have learned a lot from them, mock trial and speech are only there because I thought they were fun. Thanks for the replies, guys!</p>

10

<p>Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re fine.</p>

11

<p>Keep in mind, you can only put 10 activities on the common app. So you will either have to stick with these for the rest of high school, or get rid of one if you wanna try something new for college. Also, after 5 ECs, colleges begin to doubt your commitment to each one and question the validity of all your ECs</p>

12

<p>I definitely see what you’re trying to say, AnnieBeats. I think I’m just the type of person that prefers to have fun in school, rather than at home – hence the few extracurriculars I’m not passionate about but there just to have fun (and help my teammates win, hehe). Anyway, I’ll keep what you said in mind.</p>