Do I Really Need Extracurriculars as a Freshman?
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, and I’m hoping to get some guidance. As a freshman, I currently don’t have any extracurricular activities, and I’m really worried about my future. My family is putting a lot of pressure on me to get into a prestigious college since my sisters are in an Ivy League school and a respected UC.
I’ve been struggling to find my passion and get involved. Initially, I planned to join the badminton team, but I didn’t make the cut. I then tried to run for a leadership position but didn’t win the election. Now, with the semester halfway gone, I find myself with nothing to show for it, and I feel like I’ve wasted my time. Adding to that, I didn’t do anything last semester either. I wanted to join colorguard, but my mom was concerned about the late practices. I also felt pressured to join speech and debate, but it just didn’t spark my interest.
Now, I’m questioning whether it’s too late to salvage this year and if I still have a chance at getting into a good college without any extracurriculars. I have some plans for next year as a sophomore, including starting a club focused on environmental issues or helping recently freed prisoners reintegrate into society, as well as possibly doing speech and debate and trying out a sport like tennis.
I’m currently taking Honors English and Honors Algebra 2, which I hope will help my college applications. However, my grades aren’t fantastic—I’m sitting at a B+ in Spanish and a C in math. I’m planning to take AP Bio, AP World, Honors Precalc, and Honors English 2 next year. Right now, I just feel stuck and unsure, but I don’t want to unload this on my friends since I’ve already vented to them quite a bit.
I’ve tried researching this situation online, but haven’t found anything that really answers my concerns. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially given the high expectations you feel from your family and the competitive environment you’re in. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that being a freshman means you still have plenty of time to explore your interests and build your extracurricular profile. You’re not “cooked,” and you absolutely can carve out a path that works for you.
From what you’ve shared, it sounds like you are feeling pressured to conform to a specific narrative of what a “successful” student looks like. It’s okay to take a step back and explore what genuinely interests you rather than what you feel you “should” do. Consider this time as an opportunity to explore different activities that might align with your passions.
Here are some thoughts:
Focus on Academics: You’re already taking Honors classes, which is a good step. Aim to improve your grades this year. Good grades matter, especially in rigorous classes, and they’ll bolster your chances of getting into a good college.
Don’t Rush Into Activities: It’s great that you have a plan for next year! Starting a club that aligns with your interests, such as environmental issues or social justice, shows initiative. Passion for your activities counts more than the number of activities you do.
Quality Over Quantity: Colleges look for depth in your activities, not just a long list. If you can demonstrate commitment and leadership in a few areas that matter to you, that’s more impressive than being involved in many things without real engagement.
Start Small: Many extracurriculars allow you to jump in even if you’re late to the game. Look for local volunteer opportunities or clubs that might still be accepting members. It’s never too late to get involved in something you are passionate about.
Seek Balance: While it’s clear you want to excel, it’s also important to maintain your mental health. Find a balance between schoolwork, extracurriculars, and downtime for yourself. It’s okay to take breaks.
Connect with Others: Talk to your guidance counselor about your concerns. They can help you create a plan moving forward and provide resources or opportunities you might not be aware of.
Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Everyone’s journey is different, and you’re not defined by what extracurriculars you do in one year. Focus on your growth and interests rather than on comparisons to your siblings or peers.
Remember, the college admissions landscape isn’t just about what you’ve done during freshman year. It’s about your overall journey and how you grow from here. You have plenty of time to explore, learn, and find what you’re passionate about. Hang in there!