Finest; don't read into my post too much. I tried to be clear, but apparently I wasn't. That is my fault. There is an imaginary list of requirements; also known as a list; for extra curriculum, sports, clubs, etc... that people look at, believing it is what they need to get them into the academy. That list doesn't really exist. In other words, because your score is based on the "Total Package"; football doesn't count any higher than lacrosse, tennis, gold, etc... Neither does band count any more than the stamp club, choir, young republicans, etc... Same with CAP, Scouting, Boy/Girl's state, etc... In other words, asking if you SHOULD participate in certain activities is a question in futility. It can't be answered.
What CAN be answered is that you need to participate in athletics, leadership, community service, difficult academics, etc... These are explained pretty clearly in the academy websites. Therefor, this moves on to my comments and/or suggestions. I was telling the individual that s/he should be participating in what they like. Not trying to pick from an imaginary list that doesn't exist. I mentioned that participating in activities that you DON'T like for the sole purpose of "Filling a square" on the application would be counter productive. Would the academy be for you??? I already mentioned, if you read my entire post, that there are those who do such things and when they get to the academy/military come to a realization. Some people realize it's not for them. Some "Put up" with it and serve their country admirably and with honor; as a means of paying the government back for an education. And some have the academy/military actually grow on them and they wind up staying in and loving it. I've already said this, so to be honest, I don't understand what you're questioning me about????????
But I will say, and stand by the opinion, that if TEAM activities such as sports don't appeal to you; if activities where there are authority figures controlling your activity, e.g. coach, leader, hierarchy, etc...; if being involved in leadership positions where you control the activity of others, doesn't appeal to you; then there's a really good chance that the academy/military probably won't appeal to you either. Because that is exactly the concept of the academy and military. Being part of a team; you leading others and others leading you. There are a lot of people who aren't into this style. They prefer a more laissez-faire lifestyle. But to say again; and I'll quote from my previous post:
Now; are there some who apply and get accepted to one of the military academies who aren't quite as enthusiastic as many that I have described? Most certainly there are. Some realize it's not for them; either during/after BCT or some time in the first 2 years; and they leave. Some stick it out and live up to their 5 year commitment with honor. Some actually have the academy and military grow on them and they become more enthusiastic about it.
People apply to the academies for numerous reasons. Patriotic, financial, family tradition, lack of other options, etc.... And there will be people in EACH of these categories that find the academy/military isn't for them; and there will be those in EACH category who find out the military lifestyle is the greatest thing in the world.
But I will emphasize that at 17-18 years old, the individual really needs to be doing what it is they like and want to do. Obviously, if the academy has been a dream since say junior high; then you've probably looked into what they expect of future cadets. You may have then started participating in the classes and activities that fall in line with the academy expectations. If you find that you really like these activities and classes, there's a good chance you'll probably really like the academy/military. Some find that parts of this isn't what they like, but they find a compromise by going the ROTC route. They still get the commission and career they want, but they don't have to go through the academy. But even these people PROBABLY had a similar life experience in high school as those who attended the academy. But the person who is becoming interested in the academy their junior/senior year, needs to find the activities and classes that they WANT. Remember, the requirements for the academy are not that much different than most high end universities. They too are looking for leadership, challenging academics, athletics/clubs, etc... The only real difference is the commissioning and serving requirements.
As for your question of "What's wrong with doing things to improve your chances"? There's nothing wrong with that. But there's plenty of ways to do that without doing things you don't like. This individual mentioned not being in clubs, leadership, or athletics. I won't lie and say they have just as good a chance as those who have done those things. But I'm also not going to pretend that there is some "Checklist" that they can fill squares and get an appointment. If a person wanted the academy/military for any period of time, they would have been involved with sports, leadership, clubs, activities, etc... because it's part of their nature. Same with many people; even those not interested in the academy. So as I told this individual, definitely apply; definitely get involved with activities; etc...; but get involved with the activities you like; not to try and fill a square. Put it this way; NEVER doing ANY sports and doing a sport your senior year, isn't that impressive. However; if you received a varsity letter, were a team captain, won some sort of accolade, etc... those do mean something. It's easier to get these letters, accolades, etc... of a sport, club, activity, etc... if it's something you like.