<p>does it mean something you are currently doing, or can it also include a summer program?</p>
<p>Good question. I once did a lot of research on this very common “extracurricular” term trying to learn if band as part of the school day counted. There are various interpretations. (I say yes, since it would take the place of study hall. My son says no, since it is a class for credit. I found support of both answers in various places.)</p>
<p>it means anything that you do outside of school.</p>
<p>I would say that yes, both those things (summer programs and band) are “extra-curricular”. Both have components outside the normal school day; obviously summer programs do, and band/choir/etc. have concerts, competitions, etc. that do not take place during the regular school day. I would argue that art could also qualify if you enter your art into competitions or have an art show at a local business or museum or something. I don’t think colleges are super-strict about this definition - - they want to know what you have participated in outside the normal school day.</p>
<p>I agree with intparent but I would take that definition further. I would say an EC is any activity that is not part of the core curriculum (Math, English, History, Foreign Language, Science). Even if if an “elective” class is required at a school, I would say it’s still an EC because it’s a choice.</p>