When I read the topic of the essay I thought it was interesting that one had to be chosen either a High GPA or Strong Extracurriculars as a priority. To me, both were equally important to have a balanced high school life. I believe you can have both if you work hard and have determination you don’t have to choose. You asked my priority and it was both. I have worked very hard to have a strong GPA, be in the top 10 in my class, and play multiple sports. I think time management is the key to being able to do both. I am involved in 8 extracurricular activities in addition to sports. Now I know you are thinking can you be successful doing it all? I am All-Conference in 3 sports, play 2 instruments, and also have been in several school plays. I don’t say all this to toot my own horn. I’m proving a point that both are a priority in my life and to be successful and happy in life I wanted to do both. I’ve enjoyed all my extracurriculars and met so many diverse groups of people who have enriched my life. When I am on the stage I shine but on paper, if a University or Scholarship committee is looking they will see success with my GPA. They would never see me on stage in a theatre production or chorus. I had to do both equally to be happy. My high school years have been great due to the extracurriculars but my future is tied to that GPA. No one knows when they start high school what they are going to be doing 4 years from now. For example my freshman year I would have said I was going to go to college to play sports. If I had not kept my focus on my GPA at the same time and made it a priority at the same time now as a Senior I would be in a pinch. I love sports but decided I didn’t want to play in college. Things are always changing at this time in life so you have to be prepared and have a good solid plan. My mom always told me that saying “don’t put all your eggs in the same basket”. So I am diversified in my high school resume. I have had fun in high school but I have also worked tremendously hard to keep that GPA at a 4.0. I didn’t take easy classes and sometimes that meant after those extracurriculars I was studying late into the night. I hope that will help me be prepared for those late-night exams studying at the University. So make more than one thing your priority just be successful at both.