Can extracurriculars hurt my grades if I do too many?

Yes, they can. Think of your time and energy like a pizza. If you slice it into too many pieces, everyone ends up with a sad sliver and no one’s full. The same goes for your commitments. Piling on activities looks impressive until your grades start slipping and your brain forgets what sleep feels like. Colleges love a well-rounded student, but not one who’s running on fumes and flunking chemistry. The key is balance. Choose a few things you truly care about and do them well. Quality beats quantity every time. So before you say yes to that fifth club or third sport, ask yourself: Will this help me shine, or just make me tired and mediocre at everything?