For clarification, I’m going to be a Sophomore this coming Fall. I just finished Freshman year.
I took an extra class period instead of doing clubs last year, and I’m doing the same thing next year. Most clubs are at the same time as the extra period, so I’m not really free for many ECs. I’m concerned that my ECs will look sparse on a college app.
I’m in Concert Orchestra and I’m on the Track and Cross Country teams, which I really love and plan to stick with for the rest of high school.
But I really want to join the Debate team, and join Science Club. I want to start a Quiz Bowl team, too. I used to be on one in Middle School, and I totally fell in love with it. I also would love to organize a TEDx Youth event at my school.
The issue is, I only have two more years to do that. My question is, when is it too late to join a club? Additionally, does it look bad on college apps if I only took two years of a club as opposed to, say, three or four years?
No, it is not too late to join a club although consistency and dedication are important for your EC’s. If you are able to show leadership by Senior year in one of the clubs you are interested in joining, then that will help.
It isn’t too late. Do the clubs you love because your passion will come through.
Thanks, that’s good to hear.
Thank you, that’s really good to hear.
Two years is fine. Of course, 3-4 years is ideal though.
Most of my clubs will be for 3-4 years, but I’m joining Robotics Team next year as a junior, which means that it’ll just be for 2 years. I don’t really mind though - I have enough extracurriculars that 2 years of Robotics Team compared to 4 isn’t really going to matter.
Thanks for the advice. Would you mind me asking what your other ECs are or how many you’ve been taking other than Robotics?
Never too late. Do what you enjoy, and use high school as a time to try lots of things and to learn what you like to do.
Do not do clubs for college. Do them for you!
Colleges do appreciate some longer term commitments (which you have for two of your activities, and my son had for some of his), but trying something new is okay. My son started two of his favorite activities late. One he started junior year and the other he started August before senior year, and he applied to college early decision!!! He got into his first choice, early decision, so starting those new activities did not seem to hurt him! More importantly, he loved them.
My son’s high school graduation ceremony was this morning. High school goes by so fast; make sure you enjoy it and live a little in the moment, not just planning for the future! Good luck.
Thank you! That’s great to hear, I’m really excited to get more involved in things I’m interested in, and it’s a bonus that I can get a little boost on college apps, too.
you can do ec’s that are not part of school which can also show leadership even without a title