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<p>Parents often make the assumption that ECs are a zero-sum proposition - that any effort invested into them is effort that’s pulled away from academics. That’s not the case; academic motivation is its own phenomenon. Effort in schoolwork will be determined by that motivation and not by having extra unscripted hours in the day. On the other hand, having those extra hours scripted requires students to develop time management and planning skills that ultimately are great academic assets. Assuming that academics are “traded” for ECs is like keeping a budding musician from playing jazz under the premise that it’ll keep him or her from playing classical. Musicians, like scholars, will engage in what resonates with them. Branching out into new interests will only broaden the context for their main studies.</p>