What exactly counts as an extracurricular?

Applying to College
1

<p>I've done a fair share of extracurriculars, from being involved on the school newspaper (I'll be EIC next year) to starting a club, but my extracurriculars aren't anywhere near as good as the majority of CCers. I'm just wondering exactly what counts as an extracurricular. A good portion of my free time is taken up by helping out at my parent's small business. I serve as the receptionist, scheduling appointments, handling the money, customer service, etc. as well as doing inventory and bookkeeping among other things. I don't get a paycheck so it isn't an "official" job, but I spend about 60 hours/week during summer and about 20 hrs/week during the school year working at the business. Should I put this on my applications as an "extracurricular"? </p>

<p>I'd appreciate any responses! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Absolutely include working at your family business as an EC. 60hrs/wk and 20 hrs/wk during school is significant. Frankly it shows your dedication. Many people do the same.</p>

3

<p>In the Common App, the same place that you can add clubs, you can set the description to “Job (paid)” (something along those lines) and put in the hours per week.</p>

<p>In short, please do put this on your application.</p>

4

<p>let me sum it up for you:
YES!!!</p>

<p>really impressive EC if you ask me</p>

5

<p>since its not paid you could just put it down as a volunteer position</p>

6

<p>An EC is an activity you spend time doing and for which you receive no academic credit. You should most certainly provide some detailed information about your job and volunteer work. Remeber the Adcomms want to know what makes you tick, your passions, how you spend your time. They want to know what you will add to the campus.</p>

7

<p>Whatever you think is one.</p>

8

<p>Thanks for the responses! I’ll definitely put it on my applications, I wasn’t sure before. :)</p>

9

<p>So this is a pretty old thread, but I have a question about it again…I’m filling out applications now and I want to include what I described above in my apps, but I don’t know where to put it?</p>

10

<p>I don’t remember the form.</p>

<p>Is there a place to describe employment? The fact that you are not paid in cash is irrelevant. This is a job.</p>

11

<p>Oh nevermind. The extracurricular section also includes work experience. Thanks zephyr15!</p>