Too many extracurriculars..? And I don't want to drop any..?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi, this is my first post, and I’m really hoping to get some valuable advice :slight_smile:

I’m in multiple clubs and participate in many other extracurricular activities as a sophomore in my high school. I plan to add other things I’m interested in in future years, but I already know it’s too much. The time management part isn’t an issue. I just know that colleges frown upon people who take on too many activities without going into depth for any of them. These activities mostly fall into about three categories of my interest: Asian Cultures, Performance (both athletic and theatrical), and Misc. activities that are of my interest. Here are the said activities:

ASIAN CULTURES -

  • Anime Club (eligible to run for council next year)
  • Korean Club
  • Origami Club (eligible to run for council next year)
  • Curator of lesser known social media, “AniK” (forum/community for Anime and Kpop lovers)

PERFORMANCE -

  • Performed in school musical last year and this year
  • Part of Comedy Sportz Team
  • Figure skater since age 5 (practice every morning before school)
  • Working part time as a junior figure skating coach
  • Aerial Silk Ballerina since age 10 (practice every friday after school)
  • Theatre Junkies Club

MISC -

  • Rotary Interact Club
  • Key Club
  • Federation of Christian Athletes (currently in leadership)

I like to think I’m deeply involved in most if not all of these activities, not to mention that I love all of them, and don’t want to give them up. However, do you think colleges (especially UC schools) will frown upon my application since there are so many things I’m involved in? Even if I’ve expressed great interest in all of them? Maybe I’m overthinking this and this amount of extracurricular isn’t too much at all? What do you suggest I drop or stop doing if you think I should let something go? What should I focus on?

Thank you so much for giving any kind of advice or wise words :slight_smile:

2

You’ll get in. I mean do what your heart tells you. Sometimes you might need to drop one if it is too much. I think that if you can handle it without stress than it is fine. Otherwise, drop.

3

The Common App allows you to list 10 activities (at most) in the order of their importance to you. I’d give that some thought. From your list, instead of multiple cultural clubs, you may want to focus on one and develop your leadership in that. For sports, one sport unless you are a varsity athlete in multiple, and some service. As you stated depth is more important than breadth. The CA also has you identify the number of hours per week you devote to a particular EC and how many weeks per year. This allows for seasonal activities and gives you a chance to list say a winter sport and a spring sport. Keep in mind you need to list hours per week, so you will need to document a reasonable number of hours. For instance < 40 h per week.