Planning ECs for Junior Year - are 100hr weeks normal?

[kuma16]

@lookingforward

If you were my kid, I’d suggest you consider dropping the sports med web site. You’ve done it, it can go on the app. And you’re not an expert. It’s relatively low value.

I genuinely enjoy the sports medicine website, and I am planning on continuing this in college. I’m not doing it solely for my application, otherwise I would’ve quit a long time ago. I find this to be high value because I’m exploring my academic and personal passions.

@lookingforward

Then evaluate the vol gig you run. Is it meaningful to the people you serve? or something easy? You could transfer the reins and get as much mileage. (X number of years on the app.)

My volunteer program is definitely meaningful. We’re supporting ELL students through bilingual learning and we’ve been receiving good feedback. It definitely isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding, which is why I’m continuing it in the fall. I also have a co-founder and 13 volunteers so I’m all set on that end.

@lookingforward

After that, you have to decide whether you- and your soul- need both competitive skating and team. You’re at a crossroads (it’s clear you see that.) You do have a future to tend to.

I definitely need both competitive skating and the team. Skating has been my passion since I was 5, and due to personal health struggles, I’ve come close to losing it. I won’t be able to skate in college because I can’t afford it, so I want to make the most of my last years of skating. It is absolutely a nonnegotiable.

@lookingforward

It makes sense to keep to keep the work with the prof. That’s experience with an adult in the field. It shows you pursue more than hobby “passions.”

Agreed

@lookingforward

The value in keeping Mock is it expands you, your picture. Contrary to what many think, depending on the college targets, they aren’t looking for kids who only qualify their time choices based on what they like. Or even where they excel. They like balance, the right sorts.

Colleges don’t want a well-rounded student, they want a well-rounded class. While I don’t think doing mock trial would help or harm my application, I’m more worried about the practicality of it. Since it doesn’t align as well with my academic and personal interests, and it’s a huge time commitment, I’m worried I’ll burn out. I’m also more willing to let it go than my other ECs (but still feel very resistant)