Could a online activity be considered as an "extracurricular activity"?

right-there · 03-01-2005, 02:29 AM

Can I filled in an online activity as an "extracurricular activity" or "personal activity" for the blank on application form? Thank you.

thisyearsgirl · 03-01-2005, 02:33 AM

i think it would depend on what kind of activity it is. for example, running your own webdesign company would definitely count in your favor ... i can't really give you detailed advice unless you're more specific, so what type of activity are you referring to?

right-there · 03-01-2005, 02:36 AM

For example, newsgroup discussing something.

MzLover3 · 03-01-2005, 02:36 AM

Of course...

I actually put that after I finish all my homework, I play stradegy games online. I think colleges would like that I have a fun, regular-teenager aspect to my personality and not just work work work.

Newsgroups are great.

Prophasi · 03-01-2005, 02:37 AM

if you mean being part of a forum like CC, then I wouldn't put it down. It doesn't really say much about you. However, running your own business website or online store, that could be extra curric.

thisyearsgirl · 03-01-2005, 02:39 AM

i don't know how admissions officers see it, but i think that it would have to be in some way productive ... for example, running or programming a popular online message board ... i don't know if being an active poster is enough to really count on your application, but i guess it can't hurt to write it down.

edit: prophasi, i agree with you.

right-there · 03-01-2005, 02:48 AM

No. I didn't put CC down

but other forums.

But what do the admission officers think about ECs in a informationized world? Would they discriminate an online EC because it is not a "real" EC? thank you.

thisyearsgirl · 03-01-2005, 02:52 AM

i don't think disregarding online ecs is an act of discrimination. i think of an ec as a somewhat organized activity, such as an afterschool class, being on a sports or debate team, club membership, community service, and so on. i like to paint in my free time, but unless i win awards for it, or take some classes, i'm not going to put that on my application. does that seem like a reasonable analogy?

right-there · 03-01-2005, 03:01 AM

but I think "painting" is a personal activity, right? I heard a student who puts "reading novels" down got into smith college.

right-there · 03-01-2005, 03:03 AM

I am sorry that I put a typo on the title of this thread. It should be "an" online activity.

thisyearsgirl · 03-01-2005, 03:06 AM

i'd enjoy hearing someone else's opinion on this, because i'm sure there are arguments in either direction even though i personally distinguish between the two. i suppose i see the ec field more as a request to elaborate on specific, concrete accomplishments, not just "things you enjoy doing".

right-there · 03-01-2005, 03:11 AM

thisyear'sgirl, But I am not sure about the issue, either. I am less familiar with the process of application for American colleges than you cuz I am an international applicant. Perhaps you are right. What are anyone else's opinions?

thisyearsgirl · 03-01-2005, 03:15 AM

i'm actually a sophomore, and am not applying yet. however, everything i've seen on cc and elsewhere would suggest that the ecs colleges want are more 'accomplishments' than 'interests'. sorry if i'm not very helpful ... i tried.

right-there · 03-01-2005, 03:18 AM

Thank you very much!

killaerone · 03-01-2005, 03:23 AM

After reading the first few posts, I was wondering....

IS THIS A JOKE??!