How important are outside of school extracurricular activities in a college application?

[Anonymous]

I understand the school related activities (student government, yearbook, debate club, etc., etc.) are weighed by college application committees. How important do you think outside of school extracturricular activites are (a musical instrument, martial arts, travel sports, ballet, scouts, church activities)? My DH wants our high school freshman to whittle down his activities to "those that count". I say that DS does a number of out of school activities because he likes them. I'd also like to be able to say that "they do count". But I'm not so sure. What do you think?

[Anonymous]

I think schools are looking for areas of depth, not being a member of every club on campus. That said, I wouldn't make my child cut back on activities he enjoyed unless they were getting in the way of his academics. I just wouldn't expect that the minor activities would be of any use on applications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think schools are looking for areas of depth, not being a member of every club on campus. That said, I wouldn't make my child cut back on activities he enjoyed unless they were getting in the way of his academics. I just wouldn't expect that the minor activities would be of any use on applications.

Playing a musical instrument, practicing martial arts, ballet, scouts - what's so "minor" about that. I would hope that a school weighs such activities heavily, as it says much about an applicant.

[Anonymous]

The common app gives you room to enter for 10 activities. They ask for hours per week on each. I think leadership roles and dedication are more important than lots of little activities. Nothing wrong with the smaller things if your kid enjoys them but it's not going to tip the scales for college.

Some of this may sort itself out. My DC just doesn't have time for a lot of activities beyond the core ones he does and a heavy academic load.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools are looking for areas of depth, not being a member of every club on campus. That said, I wouldn't make my child cut back on activities he enjoyed unless they were getting in the way of his academics. I just wouldn't expect that the minor activities would be of any use on applications.

Playing a musical instrument, practicing martial arts, ballet, scouts - what's so "minor" about that. I would hope that a school weighs such activities heavily, as it says much about an applicant.

I wasn't specifying that those were minor--actually I meant that some school activities can be minor (one a month participation in math club) as can some outside school activities (one time tutoring at an elementary school). Universities aren't just looking at school-related activities, if that's what your husband is saying.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-hansen-shaevitz/extra-curricular-activities-college-admission_b_3040217.html

http://www.collegecountdown.com/blog/college-admissions/college-admissions-how-to-make-your-summer-activities-count.html

[Anonymous]

I worked in college admissions as a reader for 10 years. Absolutely no difference in how ECs "inside" school and outside school are considered. Simply joining multiple in school activities that likely just require one to sign up (yearbook but not being the editor, math club but not competing on a math team, writing one article in 4 years for the school newspaper) would be much less relevant than for instance many years of music or dance outside of school, with evidence for real dedication and hopefully talent, via selection for youth orchestras or regional dance companies etc. Likewise sports outside of school. The relevant part is continued focus and interest, hopefully with evidence for progression of skill/talent, and leadership. Working outside of school even at a pretty menial job can be more important than lots of in school random ECs.

[Anonymous]

You can go for depth (as evidenced by recognizable awards, inclusion in known teams/concerts, etc). It will show your child can commit long-term to one area and is capable of excelling in it.

You can go for breadth (multiple different clubs and activities). It will show that your child is capable of juggling a tight schedule and can multitask well.

[Anonymous]

Look for unique activities - fencing, rowing instead of "check the box" activities. Leadership positions should be true leadership positions with a record of accomplishment.