Struggling with ECs!

Hey, everybody. So, I see extracurriculars mentioned a lot here, but I'm a bit unclear on what they actually entail. Are they just hobbies or do they involve volunteering, work, and internships too? Thanks in advance!

Extracurricular activities (ECs) are essentially anything you engage in outside of your academic curriculum. They include a wide variety of activities such as clubs, sports, structured hobbies, volunteering, internships, part-time jobs, and more.

Here's a brief rundown on the different types of extracurricular activities:

- School Clubs: These are activities that your school sponsors, like a chess club, drama club, or math team. They often meet during or after school and participate in intra district competitions or even state, national, or international levels if the club performs at high levels.

- Sports: Both school-sponsored and independent leagues count as extracurricular activities. Taking part in sports not only shows teamwork and leadership skills but also your commitment, especially if you play year-round.

- Volunteering or Community Service: These are services that you provide without getting paid. It can be anything from helping at local food banks, tutoring, or collecting books for literacy programs. Volunteering tends to impress colleges as it shows a willingness to bring a positive change to your community.

- Internships and Jobs: Part-time jobs or internships related to your field of interest can also be considered as extracurriculars, and they can show a practical application of your skills and interests.

- Hobbies: If you actively engage in a hobby, it's considered an extracurricular. For example, if you love photography and have a portfolio or have won awards, or if you write and publish your own blog, these are considered significant extracurriculars.

Remember, the quality of your involvement matters more than sheer quantity. It's better to invest deeply in a few activities rather than spread yourself too thin over many activities. Most successful applicants to top colleges have 8-10 total extracurriculars, but keep in mind many are seasonal and they’re highly-involved in a few.

I hope this clears up any confusion you had about extracurricular activities. Make sure to focus on the ones that align with your interests and potential career path. Your dedication and passion are what will truly shine through to college admissions officers.