Do my extracurriculars have a BIG impact on my college entry?

Question

I read somewhere that colleges appreciate it more if you do only 1 or 2 extracurriculars well. Is this true? I was going to do a singing group, Christian club, and academic decathlon or speech and debate. I feel kind of guilty (and inferior) if I don't do more...my friend is doing at least 6 and she manages to keep a 4.0, but I know that I get tired and I have a big course load as well. I know that I'm going to do singing and Christian club-why not have some fun- but which one do you think will look more impressive to colleges; academic decathlon or speech and debate? Any other info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you! :)

Answer 1

Extracurriculars are very important in your admissions process. But admissions don't want to see that you are in a bunch of organizations, they want to see that you are very involved in those and hold leadership roles. Anyone can join an organization and put it on their resume, but they want to see that you are actually participating.

Answer 2

Yes, extracurriculars are a plus to your applications. It's what makes you stand out from other applicants. Colleges will always favor people who do a lot of extracurriculars. But, the leadership activities is what they love more.

Answer 3

Yes, they definitely matter. As for which of those is better, as long as you are dedicated to it and succeed, then either would work.  

Answer 4

It's not that you only do 1 or 2 activities, it's that you get really involved in those few.  If you're not, then either do more or pick something you're interested in instead.  They can tell if you're just trying to pad your essay or if you were doing it because you wanted to.