Clubs for College?

This school year, the School had a record high 50 club submissions— the question is: Why? Do we have an extremely engaged student body, or are students trying to pad their resumes for college applications? 

As early as freshman year, college is on most students’ radar, and it is no secret that extracurriculars matter. While I think a lot of people join or create clubs because they find them interesting or fun, it would be naive to say that the potential club leadership role or the 10 Common Application activity slots aren’t on people’s minds. 

There is definitely a culture at the School where everything you do either helps or hurts your chances of getting into your dream college. Students spend their free time volunteering, or doing extracurriculars and standardized test preparation, but the purpose of establishing or joining clubs is to explore your passions and connect with people who have similar interests. Club meetings are a time to take a step back from the constant grind of schoolwork and genuinely help others or make a positive change. Doing something just to get into college, whether it’s playing sports, choosing your electives, or starting clubs, won’t be fulfilling and you’ll most likely end up hating it. If you believe a school will only accept you when you aren’t being your authentic self, then that school might not be the right place for you anyways.

 My advice is to ask yourself the following: Would you join that club or activity even if you couldn’t put it on your resume, or does the School really need another volunteering or business club? It’s important to remember that college is a part of your journey, not the destination.