Extra activities in Junior High

Does it cound if I have my son do extra activities and/or volunteer work when my son's in junior high. What grade level do colleges look at?

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start NOW!! While colleges usually only look at college activities, things your kid does in middle school will put him in a better [or worse] position to participate in these activities in high school. Most "worthy" high school programs are extremely competitive, and want letters of recommendation. Any leadership or other experience your child garners in middle school [or my child goes to many academic specialty camps] will assist with these applications. I have looked at them, and many want to know 1. if your child has been away from home, 2. what types of activities they enjoy and 3. letters of recommendation. These letters can discuss your child's maturity and dedication by way of participating in certain activities. Also, many college apps will ask about "significant" community service or other activities, and if as a senior in high school, a child can say 6+ years of participation, it will look like sincere desire to volunteer etc. and not just as if your child is participating to "look good" on his college app.

Relax. Your son's potential colleges will probably not look that far back, but yes, it does count. Community service and outside activities always count toward the development of children into well rounded human beings, and the sooner the better.

I have my son volunteering since last summer at one of the recreation center and this summer. It keeps him busy and out of foolish activities. He also played lacrosse for his school at cross country. He is proud of his accomplishments and he still plays sports for the recreation center. So I truly believe if he keeps up the good sportsmanship it allows him to understand that if I get good grades I can still play my favorite sport but if not I have to quit the team. So I hope it does help him get in college even if it is Lacrosse or football he does them both and for volunteering is a good asset too. It helps with scholarships I heard cause if he continues in high schoool some colleges are keeping their eye out for your kid but the school he attends makes a big difference too.

I think its a great idea to start sooner than later. Let's face it, every tom, dick and harry who have a notion to get into a good school will be doing all the volunteering and after school extra ciricular activities once they hit highschool. Getting a heads up like Magnetmom suggests is a great idea.
In Canada we have something called The Duke of Edinbourough award and I'm going to get my daughter to start on it right away instead of waiting till shes 16. I believe the American equilvalent is the Congressional award.

Colleges don't look at transcripts from junior high school or activities from that period. I'd also say -remember there are colleges out there for everybody - it isn't necessary to be worried about getting into college or even into a 'name-brand' college. A book I always recommended to anyone whose children were headed for college is The College Admissions Mystique by H. Mayer - it's worth reading when considering how to help your children position themselves for college.

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