Often times, the most difficult part of school is attempting to balance academic class, with extracurricular activities. All students, when looking for colleges, are told about the importance of extracurricular activities. Sports, community service, internships, and a job are all very realistic activities that could hinder any student from giving their academic courses the attention they deserve.
These activities have a habit of being completely time consuming, and it is possible that you grades can suffer as a result. Therefore, many students are forced to try and find a balance between the two very important ideologies. However, considering the omnipresent variables, coming to a solution is often problematic. The ability to balance a multitude of difficult courses alongside extra activities greatly depends on the student and the college they wish to attend. However, there is certain advice that can aid in prioritizing these ideals.
Guidance counselor Jeff Tolson, “It is very difficult to find a balance between extracurricular activities and a rigorous academic workload. in my experience, i have found that if students are extremely excited about those extracurricular experiences; if it’s something that they're passionate about, they are much more able to find that balance because it’s something that very important to them. However, i find that when students attempt something that isn't really fulfilling, that’s when it's really a struggle. Mainly because they don’t want to be there, but they are doing it because they have done it for a long time, or because they were talked into it. Not because they really want to be there” Tolson said.
Additionally, many counselors agree that you academic performance is most important when considering these often difficult decisions. Counselor Ana Mendes explains that, “Most colleges are going to be looking at the transcript, which is why we say ‘student athlete’ you are a student first, so the expectation should be, that, you taking extra curriculars, but academics should come first” Mendes said.
Overall, this fine line can often times be very difficult to adhere by, but this is a very individualized concept, and should therefore be customized to each student.
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