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How many extracurriculars should I have?

How many extracurriculars / clubs should I be in? (Junior in high school)

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Thank you comment icon Hey Mathias! (Also I'm also from SF, shout out lol.) I would say quality over quantity. In my experience, and from seeing my friends' experiences, it's better to have a couple extracurriculars that you're really passionate and ideally hold leadership positions in than a lot of extracurriculars that you don't really care about. I'd say to analyze your intended major and cater your extracurriculars toward it. But if you're undecided on your major, no worries -- I'd say just play to your strengths and interests! Good luck :) Marlowe
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Claire’s Answer

Hi Mathias! I don't think it's about number of extracurriculars but the impact you have in the ones you are in. Companies and recruiters look for leadership qualities, and if you can get to that level in what you do at school, that would be great!
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Eleanor’s Answer

I would focus less on quantity and more on quality. So instead of joining every single club available, which really only results in running yourself ragged, focus on 1-3 clubs or activities that truly interest you and that you are willing and able to put effort into.

I made this mistake my freshmen year of college. I joined EVERYTHING. I was way overextended. I had barely any time for a real social life, and my contribution/impact to those clubs was nominal at best. I was really just taking up space in those clubs. Then when I was in my junior and senior years, I really pared back on what I was involved in. I was way happier, and then I actually had leadership positions and made an impact.

Quality extracurriculars where you can point to actual contributions, actual results from those contributions is exponentially more attractive to recruiters and on your resume. Also if you have real experience with extracurriculars, when you get into interviews for your "real job", you have real experience to point to. Volunteer positions where you actually had some responsibility absolutely count as "relevant experience" on a "grown up" resume.

Good luck!
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Kevin’s Answer

If possible, it would be great to work backwards from what your longer-term goals are. Are you trying to get into a good college? Trying to prepare yourself to enter the work-force after high school? Trying to get into the right college for the career you'd like to have in the long run? No matter what you want to do grades (and SAT scores if you're trying to go to college) are the right thing(s) to focus on first but after you're succeeding according to those metrics start with 1 intriguing extracurricular and build from there. Focus on making an impact within that extracurricular before joining additional ones. If you feel (and are getting feedback that) you are making an impact and find yourself with additional time and mental energy then pick the second most intriguing one and keep building!
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Gigi’s Answer

Hi Mathias!

Personally, I think its not the amount that matters, it's the position and quality of the organization! I realized being a sports captain/in Varsity teams matters a lot as well as creating projects that impacts your community helps a lot as well! If there's nothing that interests you at school definitely go out of the school circle an find other things to do such as service projects! Thanks!
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Fiona’s Answer

Hi Mathias,

It does not really matter the quantity of extracurricular activities, but rather the quality of extracurriculars activities. You are probably thinking what does that mean. It means that focus on activities that you would be interested in devoting time, effort, and becoming a leader in. You will not know which extracurricular activities are right for you until you try, so I would suggest attend an interest meeting. If you miss the interest meeting, get in contact with a student at your school to see if you can volunteer at one of the events before making a decision on whether to be heavily involved or not. No one says no to volunteers rarely and if they do that is okay. Try to be in at least 1-2 extracurriculars after you research on them.

Fiona recommends the following next steps:

Attend an Interest Meeting
Contact a Student / Sponsor to learn more about a club
Ask counselor
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Madi’s Answer

Hi Mathias,

There is no set amount of clubs that you should be in. Even if you join just one extracurricular, you can make a big impact such as being President/Vice President, planning events, etc. Colleges will appreciate your impact when you talk about it on your application. In my opinion, you should join at least one and from there, it is your decision if you want to join more.
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Mayra’s Answer

It depends on what you want to go for and if they're offered at your school. But don't be afraid to join different clubs and sports because you want to be able to show your interest in other things as well! If you're looking for an exact number try to be really active and involved in at least 1 or 2 clubs. Don't do them just to build your application!
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