<p>So far I’ve been doing mainly the extracurriculars I enjoy, but now I realize that some of my peers are receiving important awards in just the first year of high school. IYO about how deep do extracurriculars have to be to be competitive for top colleges? For example, are state-level awards essentially required / give a significant benefit, or is it more important to receive smaller amounts of recognition?</p>
<p>Whatever is considered really good for the specific extracurricular you’re in. More obscure ECs might not have major awards.</p>
<p>Try searching around the internet for competitions that you can compete in for your EC, then mark them down on a calendar. Even better, ask somebody who can give you guidance your your EC. For example, if you play an instrument, talk to the band director about participating in Jazz Festivals and music composition competitions.</p>