Sophomore year plus extra curricular activities?

Question:I'm going to be a sophomore this year in the fall and school starts in a week. I know that many colleges look at your extra curr. activities in high school. The thing is I have never been involved in any of that from 7th grade to 9th but this year I want to go out for something. I have no real idea what to do or what to be involved in. I'm not the cheerleading type or being in front of people. I really wanted to try the debat club last year but I have a big issue with stage fright. So my question is what can I try, are there any others that have been in my situation, what did you do and how did it work out? I really need some encouragement here. Thanks.

Answers:
Colleges want to see 1 or 2 activities you are truly interested in. Whatever you choose to do, the idea is to show how you have progressed in skill and responsibility over time.

They don't have to be in school. Activities can be
community based: helping at the YMCA or clearing walking trails; or church based (watching kids during Sunday services, helping with the Christmas Pageant), etc. Some kids find their "place" in theatre as technicians (there are sometimes classes in your school to get you started), or in journalism (school paper or annual) or making digital movies (often you do this for projects anyhow).

Some college applicants have been babysitters since the age of 13 and have taken classes and love little kids. Others love gardening and growing tomatoes, or swimming and competing (winning a prize is not required) or being a lifeguard. Working as a volunteer at a vet's office or animal shelter is great if you love animals. Working at a food bank, for Meals on Wheels, or Habitat for Humanity is only appropriate if you WANT to do it.

If you hold a paying job for a couple of years (or over a couple of summers), that will also fill the space and show you can stick to something long term. You don't have to be a hamburger flipper, you can work in an office and use the computer skills you already have.

It is most certainly okay to try several activities and clubs, then write about how you have not really found your passion, but that you have learned a lot (and what that is), met interesting people you would not have met in your normal life, and that you intend to keep trying.

Colleges and Universities are trying to find their own mix and balance in their populations. No matter that you are the perfect applicant, if they want a few international students or more students from Alaska or Ohio, you may not be accepted. On the other hand, if you are one of the few applicants that fits in with their new arts department goals, you will be accepted. There is a little "Las Vegas" involved in every application.

You are special and one of a kind. There is a college for every student who wants to attend. Use your head and when the time comes, apply to the schools that are the right fit for you. If you hate the heat and love the cold and snow, great! Don't apply to a school in the middle of the desert "because you can get in", you will make yourself unhappy. If you prefer smaller schools, stay away from USC or NYU.

Remember - Colleges have seen and heard it all. Admissions people can see a fake a mile away. Joining clubs or holding jobs just to pad out your resume is not looked on as an attribute. Be honest, work very hard in your classes (grades and type of classes still count most heavily).

Do your best to find what YOU enjoy!

Good luck!
i'd say if you were interested in debate, go for it. you'll probably find that you'll be able to get over your stage fright much more easily than you expect.

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