<p>However, the point some have made is to use one’s time and effort effectively.</p>
<p>Putting time and effort into getting top end grades, top end test scores, and an extracurricular that results in a high level of recognized achievement is generally considered worthwhile, as long as the student is not overwhelmed.</p>
<p>But some other uses of time and effort can be of dubious value (unless the student actually enjoys them a lot), or negative value if they reduce the time available for more worthwhile things, or things that the student would just rather do. For example:</p>
<ul>
<li>Extracurriculars where one does not have much chance of a high level of recognized achievement (e.g. third-string bench player on a high school sports team that is the local league doormat).</li>
<li>Self-studying “AP lite” tests that are unlikely to give useful subject credit or placement in college.</li>
<li>Joining a lot of clubs that do not really do much.</li>
</ul>