Should I focus on quantity or quality of extracurricular activities?

Hi there! I'm a junior in high school, and I've been wondering whether it's better to participate in many extracurricular activities or focus on a few and excel in them. I want to make sure I'm using my time wisely, so any advice on how to approach extracurriculars for college admissions would be greatly appreciated!

Hi! It's great that you're thinking about your extracurricular activities and how they'll impact your college applications. From my experience with my own child's college admissions process, I can say that focusing on the quality of your extracurricular activities is generally more important than the quantity. Colleges like to see that you're passionate about something and have taken the time to really invest yourself in it, rather than spreading yourself too thin across multiple activities.

That being said, it's still important to have a well-rounded profile. You don't want to only have one activity, but you also don't want to be involved in so many that you can't excel in any of them. My suggestion would be to pick about 2-3 main activities that you are truly passionate about and devote your time to those. This will allow you to excel in them and demonstrate your commitment. Then, you can consider joining a few other activities that might not require as much time but still show your varied interests.

Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that allows you to excel in your chosen extracurriculars while still having a diverse profile. Remember, colleges are looking for students who will bring something unique to their campus, so focus on what you truly love and what sets you apart. Best of luck!