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riceman89
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Do extracurriculars matter? 08 Nov 2016, 17:41
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Just curious - for a bschool application, does having 2-3 random EC's make a huge difference over having none?
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Do extracurriculars matter? 08 Nov 2016, 18:15
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riceman89
Just curious - for a bschool application, does having 2-3 random EC's make a huge difference over having none?
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Extra-curriculars are definitely important but having random activities is not the best strategy. It is important that the activities make sense with respect to your overall profile and the story you are trying to present. Leadership roles are also more important than just having a large number of activities on the resume. Good luck and reach out with any other questions.

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Do extracurriculars matter? 08 Nov 2016, 20:05
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Some ECs are better than none but schools are certainly looking for more material experience in this dept particularly examples where you were in a leadership role. So the more coordinated these experiences are and are grounded in some authentic passion the better it will come across
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Do extracurriculars matter? 08 Nov 2016, 23:46
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riceman89
Just curious - for a bschool application, does having 2-3 random EC's make a huge difference over having none?
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Yes, extra -curricular activities matter. They give you a chance to show your passion outside the work sphere, and they give you the opportunity to make positive impact in a volunteering capacity (not driven by appraisal driven KRAs)

But 2-3 random activities with scattered experience are not going add depth to your profile. It better to take up 1-2 interest driven activities and do something meaningful there.

Some b-schools like Ross have a sole essay that asks for a meaningful experience outside work. If you don't have any extra curricular activities at all, its going to be challenging applying to such b-schools.
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Do extracurriculars matter? 09 Nov 2016, 02:52
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Totally agree with all the above. If you have an extra year tortwo to apply then it would be best to develop a relationship with NGO, that would be a natural outgrowth from data points in your profile so it doesn't look forced.

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Do extracurriculars matter? 09 Nov 2016, 02:52
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Also want to add that this is a really great opportunity to obtain a leadership position when you're sort of Junior at work. So that you can basically create a habit of leadership in your profile

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Do extracurriculars matter? 14 Nov 2016, 11:18
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riceman89
Just curious - for a bschool application, does having 2-3 random EC's make a huge difference over having none?
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Yes- riceman89, having a few EC's do matter. You don't want it to show up as a weakness- and if you have no EC's listed it is more likely that adcom will note this as a negative. If you can just say something about any EC's and do your best job highlighting the results it may satisfy EC leadership as all schools are looking some version of this. So absolutely!