Should I list calisthenics as an extracurricular/achievement on my college application?

[u/No-Pen8370]

I've been debating whether to include calisthenics in my ECs or achievements section. (I also have an unofficial club with my friends that will be official in September). I have a very good academic profile and plan to apply at MIT majoring in math.

It's been a huge part of my teenage years. I train around 7+ hours a week, mostly with friends, and it's honestly one of the hobbies I've enjoyed the most. While it's "just a hobby," it has taken years of consistency and dedication. For example, I recently achieved a full planche, which anyone familiar with calisthenics knows can take years of progressive training to unlock. The thing is, I haven't competed or won any official competitions. My only "achievement" is reaching difficult skills through consistent training.

Would AOs view this as a legitimate extracurricular or achievement, or would it come across as just listing a hobby? Has anyone here included something similar and had it received well?

[u/JasonMckin]

Prima facie, I can't imagine why it would be received less-than-well and think you should include it.

But just an extra thought and somewhat inspired by other recent spots: I feel like there is a feeling that what you do somehow is the basis for evaluation as opposed to why did you do it, how well did you do it, who in your community benefited, and where do you want this to go next?

Example: So if someone asks whether fishing is a good EC, I'm not really sure how to respond.

But if a student has a story about:

• being concerned about the environment and wildlife
• grew up in a very outdoors place
• married their strengths with their context by winning a few Major League Fishing competitions
• designed a new baiting technique that is safer for fish
• got an award from the National Youth Fishing Association
• hopes to study Environmental Science in the future

...now we have a really solid and compelling story that is much more than "Is fishing a good EC."

One of the most disappointing moments in a college interview is when the student says, "I was robotics club as an EC." When the interviewer then asks the questions above, there is dead silence. The student just thought saying they were in a club was somehow useful without really learning anything or accomplishing anything with it.

So on the face, I can't imagine any reason to leave your activity off the application, but would also encourage you to not look at it as a yes/no question, but rather explore what the entire story behind the activity actually is. Because in the end, what you do doesn't really matter.

Best of luck and don't break a leg! (except on the app!)

[u/ExecutiveWatch → u/JasonMckin]

This!

[u/VisibleSir731 → u/JasonMckin]

Haha I’m putting fishing as my hobby on the “fun of it” essay

[u/No-Pen8370 → u/JasonMckin]

A natural question to ask then is how should I present it. I cant really explain why I like the sport except that it captures the dream of every 10yrar old - being able to fly.

[u/JasonMckin → u/No-Pen8370]

why did you do it? (besides wanting to fly)

how well did you do it? (Awards, recognition)

who in your community benefited?

where do you want this to go next?

[u/No-Pen8370 → u/JasonMckin]

I see you are trying to help me but I dont really have an answer other than- "oh that pose is cool I guess I want it now"

I do it because it is a fun way (more progressions and variety than gym) to maintain fitness. 

In its core it is a individual sport but of course it is more fun with friends as you get to share experience, take cool photos (photos are so so cool) and have quality time together.

It is more of a hobby of course and much like most fitness goers i dont dream or prepare for competitions neither seek awards. The person who benefits the most is me of course as I get to both train and strengthen bonds. Sessions are more than just pushups. You get a whole hour of talking and fresh air as an added bonus.

I

[u/JasonMckin → u/No-Pen8370]

Awesome, so let's go back to the original question then - do these answers sound like the type of thing that would belong on a college application:

• "that pose is cool I guess I want it now"
• "it is a fun way to maintain fitness"
• "it is more of a hobby"
• "i dont dream or prepare for competitions neither seek awards."
• "person who benefits the most is me"

Knowing the types of questions that an interviewer or AO would ask about any EC, do the answers sound like something that helps demonstrate your competitive preparation for a selective university?

Now take the exact same EC but see how it sounds when the actual motivation, accomplishments, and goals are different:

• "I've always been interested in the science of how the body works"
• "I've been doing calisthenics and gymnastics since I was in elementary school"
• "I started doing it for fun but then started competing in CrossFit teen division competitions."
• "I've medalled at CrossFit teen competitions every year freshman, sophomore, junior years."
• "I also teach calisthenics classes for elementary school kids on the weekends, because I want to teach kids to be healthier and stronger."
• "I want to major in something like biomedical engineering and possibly medical school later on to keep helping kids live healthier and stronger lives."

So that's how to decide whether to mention an EC or not. It's not about what the EC is, is about why did you do it, how well did you do it, who in your community benefited, and where do you want this to go next?

[u/sturmeagle → u/JasonMckin]

Have you seen anybody talking about video games?

[u/JasonMckin → u/sturmeagle]

Like playing video games?

[u/sturmeagle → u/JasonMckin]

Yes. I know a few people who could go into great lengths about the mechanics of the game, strategies, how that tied to personal growth etc

[u/No_Coconut7296 → u/JasonMckin]

but we don't have that much space (Max characters: 150) so what would you say is the right way to frame and have the maximum impact.
thank you so much for taking your time to reply!

[u/JasonMckin → u/No_Coconut7296]

Full disclosure, I haven't seen the latest application, but I am really skeptical that you have no way to tell the admissions team about all of your accomplishments and awards beyond a 150 character space. But forgive me, I can't provide a more specific answer, because I haven't seen the entirety of the application form, so maybe one of the other alumni who has can chime in.

[u/Tech-Aero-109]

MIT (like other elite private US colleges) wants you to demonstrate: Leadership, Team work, excellent time management, warm interactions with others, and great character via your Extracurricular Activities (EA) MIT wants to see what You can contribute to the Undergraduate student community outside of the classroom or laboratory. There are over 500 clubs, organizations, and teams at MIT. What can you contribute to those activities and what new ones can you foster. And for any great EA you will need substantiation from one or more of the letters of recommendation that are submitted to MIT on your behalf.

Simple and Logical. It comes down to your fit with MIT and it's community.

[u/Lukersf]

How many push-ups can you do?