<p>For about 3 years in high school, I only joined in the mathletes and the newspaper. I've been teaching swimming at the YMCA for 2 years (volunteer) and I only participated in two or three outside school activities. </p>
<p>Even if I had good SAT scores and high GPA, would this take away my chances of getting into a good college? I heard that American colleges put a lot of emphasis on extracurricular activities.....</p>
<p>Make sure to emphasize how much time you put into those activities. The colleges usually look at your academic class rigor/GPA/scores before they even consider your activities. They do want to see that you’re a well-rounded applicant and that you don’t just sit home and study. </p>
<p>You should be fine!</p>
<p>The transcript (grades are one part of it) matters most. ECs can matter at some schools, and harldy at all at some schools.</p>
<p>Your transcript is much more important.</p>