Are extra curricular's required on a college application to get in?

Oh yes. DEFINITELY. College applications have become really competitive in recent years, and you're going to get MUCH better results if you can string together a cohesive application that shows some combination of responsibility and creativity (in addition to academic performance). Here's what I recommend: school, two after school clubs (in Sophomore or Junior year you want to have a leadership role in those clubs if possible), a volunteer program that you do on your own time to "give back", a summer internship or summer job, and something that is a personal project like publishing an e-cookbook or making a game or supporting a sibling with some kind of tutoring.

One thing that can sometimes get in the way is needing to make money to help out your family. If you need to make money for the family, it's important that you work extra hard to find opportunities that are paid, or that you start applying for scholarships in your community designed to give you money so you can take unpaid volunteer or internship roles.

Welcome to 9th grade! It's time to HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HARD! I'd be happy to answer follow-up questions. Maybe we can even help you brainstorm some ideas if you tell us more about what your interests are.

Source: I was just talking about this with a guidance counselor at a local High School yesterday. Also, I went to college and was able to look around at the other students to see what their applications were like.

I agree 100% with Jared! You also want to pick clubs and activities that you are passionate about spending time. Don't just pick a club for your college application. There are so many choices and it's better to be a leader in one or two clubs/activities than to sign up for a laundry list.