<p>I had a discussion with my dad today about extracurricular activities, including the leadership positions they offer.</p>
<p>I told him about how I always try and run for office and leadership positions but never picked for them, and honestly, how it kind of frustrates me because I am more than capable of holding the positions. He proceeded to tell me that I should not be so hurt by it because they really are not THAT important. He said that a position as an officer in a club is just as important as being an ordinary member because most of the time, ANY of the members could easily hold the position just as well, which is actually very true, at least at my school. He told me that if I am doing clubs just for to get them on my resume and not actually interested in them, then I should not join them. Unfortunately, I am not interested in any clubs at my school except NHS, which I will apply for.
Will this lack of participation in extracurricular activities hurt me in my college applications?</p>
<p>I also have another problem. I am a part of my high school's marching band, and we are a very competitive program with a tougher schedule than the average college applicant who lists marching band as an EC. Our band's history is VERY successful. With that being said, it limits me from doing much, especially with having to manage AP classes as well. I'm worried that I will come across as rather lazy or "not involved" compared to other applicants, when really, band just eats up my life. Can this hurt me at all? Should I explain my lack of ECs in the application? I honestly am confused about the whole situation, but I do not want it to look like I am making up excuses either. </p>
<p>Trust me, I would join more clubs if they had more to do with interests around computers, as that is where my interest lies, but instead, all of our clubs are the average and rather overrated "help the community and raise money clubs", who honestly, don't really do anything at our school. Don't mean to sound cynical, but it's what I get at my school, which also leads me to believe what my dad had to tell me. </p>
<p>I would really appreciate it if somebody could help me out here.</p>
<p>first of all, unless you have a friend in marching band from another school don’t presume to know how much time they’re spending on marching band and claim that you spend more time.</p>
<p>i agree with your dad. i personally think you shouldn’t join clubs if you’re not interested. that being said, colleges like to see passion about something so join a club that you can dedicate yourself to that will show passion. marching bad can also be counted as an EC. you must at least enjoy doing some of the things you hs offers right? if not, try starting your own club.</p>
<p>Joining lots of clubs and winning popularity contests to show “leadership” are not meaningful ECs, and adcoms know it.</p>
<p>Your serious commitment to marching band is much more significant, and in your applications you should try to make the nature of your band commitment clear, in a mature, straightforward, and non-whiny way.</p>
<p>Well, first off, I would like to address your uneasiness reagrding whether or not schools will recognize how much effort you put in towards your marching band. There are thousands of high school students around the country feeling the same as you. One feels his hockey team is more demanding than any other team, another believes his job is more tiring than that of any other high school student, and of course one believes his marching band requires much more effort than any other marching band. The simple fact is, you can’t worry about whether every second of your activities is accounted for or you’ll drive yourself crazy. Just write down your hours and accomplishments and they’ll get the point that it’s a demanding activity.</p>
<p>DO NOT explain your lack of extracurricular activities. That is the opposite of the message you are trying to send. Instead, maybe get your counselor to mention how important the school’s marching band is in his rec.</p>
<p>on the common app., you have to mention how many hours/ wk. and wks./ yr. your EC’s take up. I don’t think it’s meant to be on the dot, but colleges should see your commitment to band</p>
<p>I def agree with NervousBreakdown (haha), if you feel like there’s a serious void in your school for technology/computer oriented clubs, starting one shows great initiative and helps bring out your interest a little more. And committing yourself to a few things and doing well usually far outweighs taking on more EC’s that don’t interest you for your resume’s sake. You can really help your case by writing about some difficult but rewarding marching band experience (avoid cliches, try making it unique, I’d recommend Harry Bauld’s how to write a college essay), that would really help adcoms see what you’re about and how significant a part of your life it is. This is, of course, all in my very humble and limited opinion.</p>
<p>I didn’t mean to come off cocky or arrogant about what I do if that’s what was perceived. We are just held to really high standards because of their success in the early 2000s. I also realize that other people must feel this way, so that was probably stupid of me to post in the first place. </p>
<p>Anyways, thank you for the information. It just stresses me out when some people claim I need more ECs. I try, but I end up having to quit because marching band interferes, and even though it is not exactly my greatest passion, it is what I enjoy most about my school.</p>
<p>Some marching bands do have a very high number of hours involved. Adcoms generally know that.
Through your ECs, adcoms see your experiences outside class, your energy, perspective, how you take on responsibilities and can commit over time, etc. It’s not about a short list with a few “passions.” </p>
<p>Leadership isn’t all about titles, either- it can be about how you see a need and tackle it. I hope you have band, plus some other activities where you took on responsibilities, made a commitment, did some good.</p>