Personal Interests

[MarsRover]

Hey, I was just wondering how to label personal interests. IE spend many hours a week hiking, biking etc. The extracurricular section says can add in unstructured stuff, but it says to list things that give back to the community, and these activities don't really do that. 

[_ _]

Things that are just personal hobbies, like going for a hike or  bike ride or a jog, I left out.However I by no means am saying thats right. I have no idea. But personally, I felt a little silly listing those things, since I think it's safe to assume everyone does things with their time, i.e. I read every night before bed, but that isn't on my application. However I put down inter-mural sports, because it's more of a 'thing' I was involved in

For me, there is a line between application-worthy things, and just being a normal human being who does things besides work/eat/sleep. But there's no 'ok' and 'not ok', so I think if you feel like it adds value, then just add it

[Bambi]

They want to know who you are. These unstructured activities demonstrate a healthy life style, remaining fit, and these activities actually are good for stress management. Include them. Market yourself well in the description.

[MarsRover]

I agree there is definitely a line between just including anything and more involved activities. I also read 2-3 times a week but i didn't include it. That said I do hike quite often for several hours, and its like sort of my "sport" if that makes sense. Some people like hockey or basketball, i plan and go on hikes. It sucks that its not more organized but not like there is a society on campus.

I also have played intermurals with various societies at school, but didn't list them. I found they were always seemed more just for fun and disorganized to really list that it was something that I did. seemed more like just out playing a game with friends. 

 

It seems to just depend what it means to each person I suppose.