Many families worry about what colleges want from applicants. Will it look better to run for an office or to start a club? Should I keep playing the drums or take an after-school art class? AP Chemistry or AP US History?

In most cases, the more it matters to you, the more it will matter to the colleges.

Whether it’s pursuing a subject that interests you, committing to an activity, or even pursuing a hobby that’s just for you, if it matters to you—especially if you actually enjoy it—colleges will almost certainly be interested.