How important are extra curricular activities for your app?

[joro]

Does extra curricular activities or volunteer work help your application in any way?

[edsocguy14]

.

[Joel418]

Having been through the process, I can tell you that x-c activities mean nothing unless they are directly related to your field. If they are, list them as career experiences, either on your CV or in your statement of purpose.

Here's why:

Undergrad committees like to see x-c's because it shows that you have a wide range of interests (conducive to the liberal arts philosophy that permeates undergrad education) and that you will be an active part of the larger community. Grad committees want to see that you are focused on the field to which you hope to contribute.

Best of luck!

[jasper.milvain]

Not at all. It's all about the research, baby.

[kahlan_amnell]

You already went though one application cycle without knowing that extra curriculars don't matter unless they are related to your field? Well, now you know.