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Extracurriculars

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How many hours should my extracurriculars add up to?

Hi, I was wondering, for a strong college application, how many hours per week should my extracurriculars add up to? I know colleges look for commitment and leadership, but I want to make sure I'm allocating my time well. Let me know what you guys think, thanks!

8 months ago

It's always important to consider time management and finding a balance between academics and extracurriculars. When it comes to the number of hours for extracurriculars, it isn't a specific number that colleges are looking for, but rather the depth and quality of your involvement. That being said, a rough guideline for a competitive college application, especially for top-tier schools, is to have about 12-20 hours per week dedicated to extracurriculars.

However, focus more on your passion and the impact you can make in the activities you choose, rather than trying to hit a specific number of hours. Prioritize a few extracurriculars you genuinely care about and can excel in, and try to demonstrate leadership and achievement within them. Colleges are more interested in applicants who have truly committed to their extracurriculars than they are in a particular number of hours.

In short, aim for quality over quantity, and choose your commitments wisely. It's better to be highly-involved in a few activities you're passionate about, rather than spreading yourself thin across too many. As long as you can show dedication, leadership, and impact within your chosen activities, you'll be on the right track to creating a strong extracurricular profile and overall college application.

Best of luck with your college process!

8 months ago

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