4 answers
Bella
Student
Sheffield, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
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Should I continue doing extracurriculars/sports I don't love anymore since they will make my college application look better?
I'm a junior, and I'm not as interested in some of my extracurriculars as I used to be. I feel like I'm only doing them because I don't want to quit when I'll be applying to college next year, but they're also making it harder to find time for the things I enjoy. My parents cautioned me against quitting, because it would make my college application appear less impressive, but l'm not sure if I want to spend my time doing things I don't enjoy anymore just so I can appear impressive to colleges. What should I do?
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4 answers
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Bella,
I would say that if you are not interested in certain extracurriculars or sports then don't do them because it wastes your time. I know that it might sound scary that it will affect your possible applications to some colleges but you need to be aware of what you want and try to improve on what you already have going on in your life. Balance is very important in life and having good balance will help you progress as a person. As long you are doing well in your classes, have a couple of extracurriculars and you have a good application it should not matter how many things you have but what you have. Keep working hard when it comes to what you want and keep improving yourself everyday. You will find a college that values you and everything will work out how it is supposed. Best of luck to you in your high school and future college journey!
I would say that if you are not interested in certain extracurriculars or sports then don't do them because it wastes your time. I know that it might sound scary that it will affect your possible applications to some colleges but you need to be aware of what you want and try to improve on what you already have going on in your life. Balance is very important in life and having good balance will help you progress as a person. As long you are doing well in your classes, have a couple of extracurriculars and you have a good application it should not matter how many things you have but what you have. Keep working hard when it comes to what you want and keep improving yourself everyday. You will find a college that values you and everything will work out how it is supposed. Best of luck to you in your high school and future college journey!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Bella
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Bella. It makes sense that you feel unsure about staying in activities you don't enjoy anymore. As a junior, you have a lot to think about like schoolwork, college, and how you spend your time. Many students keep doing extracurriculars or sports because they think it will make their college applications look better. But it's important to remember that colleges don't just want to see a long list of activities. They want to see what you care about and what you've learned from the things you do.
If you're no longer enjoying an activity, take a moment to think about why. Are you just tired or overwhelmed, or have you truly lost interest? If you're just tired, maybe you can take a smaller role or spend less time on it. But if you really don't care about it anymore, it's ok to stop. You can use that time for something new that excites you, maybe a hobby, a personal project, or volunteering for a cause you believe in. Doing something that feels meaningful will make you happier.
Try talking with your parents about how you feel. Explain that you want to focus on things that matter to you instead of just trying to look impressive. When you do activities you truly enjoy, your passion will show, and colleges notice that. In the end, it's better to spend your time on what feels right for you.
If you're no longer enjoying an activity, take a moment to think about why. Are you just tired or overwhelmed, or have you truly lost interest? If you're just tired, maybe you can take a smaller role or spend less time on it. But if you really don't care about it anymore, it's ok to stop. You can use that time for something new that excites you, maybe a hobby, a personal project, or volunteering for a cause you believe in. Doing something that feels meaningful will make you happier.
Try talking with your parents about how you feel. Explain that you want to focus on things that matter to you instead of just trying to look impressive. When you do activities you truly enjoy, your passion will show, and colleges notice that. In the end, it's better to spend your time on what feels right for you.
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
Sticking with extracurricular activities for a long time can look good on college applications, but it's even better if you plan to keep doing them after high school. If you're not truly interested in something, it's okay to try something new that excites you. Finding a new passion can also make your application strong. Remember, there are many ways to create a successful college application.
Brian Swain
Mechanical Engineer
62
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Bella,
I am by no means an expert when it comes to college admissions. Personally I suspect the importance of extra-curricular activities is overblown. Looking at Standford's administration page, there is a bigger emphasis on academic excellence compared to extra-curricular activities. So my advice is if you do not enjoy or find purpose in extra curricular, don't do them. In your college essays you can state why you choose to do this, this may help with the admissions process as it will show you know how to prioritize and manage your time.
I am by no means an expert when it comes to college admissions. Personally I suspect the importance of extra-curricular activities is overblown. Looking at Standford's administration page, there is a bigger emphasis on academic excellence compared to extra-curricular activities. So my advice is if you do not enjoy or find purpose in extra curricular, don't do them. In your college essays you can state why you choose to do this, this may help with the admissions process as it will show you know how to prioritize and manage your time.