Extracurricular activities or academic achievements?

Question

I've heard that if you have ok grades but you're very active in clubs and sports you can get into a good university.

But what if you have good grades but are not very involved in school activities? Would it be harder to get into a good school than if you have ok grades and are very involved?

I guess my questions is, which one's more important, grades of extracurricular activities?

Answer 1

It all depends on the type of college or university that you're applying to, and the program within that university that you want to enter. I'll give you an example.

I currently attend the University of Minnesota. I applied to the IT college on campus (Institute of Technology, it mostly encompasses the engineering, chemistry and math majors) with 0 hours of volunteering, 2 years in a sport and no clubs. They didn't care, though, because their admissions program is based almost entirely on grades and ACT/SAT scores, and my grades and ACT scores were good.

I have several friends here that are in CLA (College of Liberal Arts, it deals with majors like English, History, Art, Political Science, Foreign Language, etc...). Most of them had many hours of volunteering and several clubs and sports that they were involved in, because CLA looks heavily on those things. Some of them also had average to almost below average grades and ACT/SAT scores, because CLA doesn't care too much about those.

I also have some friends in Carlson (the business school). Most of them had many volunteering hours and good grades and ACT/SAT scores, but some of them had few clubs and sports, because Carlson cares about volunteering and academics, and doesn't pay too much attention to clubs and sports.

In summery, it all depends on the individual school or college that you're applying to. I know that's not the answer you're looking for, but without knowing both the specific universities you're looking into as well as people that go there, no one can really help you anymore than that. I suggest picking a few universities that you're interested in (as well as picking a subset of major that you're interested in, ie engineering, business, some sort of writing or journalism, etc...) and calling them and asking them what type of student they look for. They'll probably point you in the right direction, and then you can go from there.

Answer 2

Grades are more important. It is very possible to get into college without extracurricular activities but impossible to get into a good college without passing grades.

Answer 3

If you can show a dedicated interest in your community, you don't have to have excellent grades. Consider volunteering with an animal shelter in your area; the boys & girls clubs; a nursing home, for a few examples.

Perhaps you could contact your local mayor (?) and inquire about a co-op program. If there isn't one, ask if they'd like to consider developing one. Ask your favorite teacher to help you. This would be quite a feather in your hat as you will have taken the lead to make it happen not only for you, but others who come along after you...

Community service looks EXCELLENT on a scholarship application also...

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Well grades are really important but it's easier for people that are in EX Actvities. I, am in soccer and in softabll i have above average grades but like its best for people with the grades because not many have the talents of sports or singing ect. but many need to have a fine job, u know what im sayin?

Answer 5

Grades are important in school,but doing other things are important.Maybe you want to join cheer-leading that is important to cause you are doing something for your school.You know what I mean.OK!

Answer 6

You really need a decent balance of both. Colleges and Universities are looking for very well-rounded students to contribute to the school.

Answer 7

both are best. activities alone wont work, but i think you need more than grades to separate yourself from the other applicants