what counts as extracurricular activities? for UCs?

Question

i am in a CCC and different advisors give me mixed answers
on lets say the UC application for extracurricular activities is it true that only activities that are associated to the school like clubs and student government count? - thats what one advisor told me
i thought that extracurricular activities were activities that you do other than class. i learnt music since 3 till now and have other hobbies like practicing karate all my life. it takes up quite a bit of my time and does that mean all of them don't count?
she said they are only hobbies and do not count. doesn't 17 years of dedication mean anything at all?

i thought extracurricular activities were supposed to tell the admin more about you thats more to your grades. i thought music and martial arts would show me as a more well rounded person. but if they don't count doesn't that put me in the category of... whats the technical term for it... screwed?

Answer 1

To some extent this is right. However many uni's want an overall picture of the student and want someone who is not one dimensional.

When you list yours, include all yours. Not just the ones associated with college.

Answer 2

Yes, you're right. Extracurricular Activities could mean being involved in clubs, sports, student body, etc, but it also includes things that take up your spare time outside of school as well!

Colleges like to see that you are dedicated and passionate about something. Since you've been learning music and karate your entire life, those are very good things to put that down under Extracurricular Activities. You get to put the hours and weeks you are involved with the activity, and colleges will like to see that even though you are actively involved with karate and music, that you were still able to maintain your GPA.

Same goes for if you've been babysitting or have been responsible for taking care of your younger sibling.... That's leadership, and that's what colleges like to see.