Community service is an extra-curricular activity but you're right in that stock trading won't be classified as a community service. I'm not quite sure how effective this would be considered as an extra-curricular activity since many applicants probably have an active portfolio of stocks.

If you can show that you've beaten regular indices consistently then please pm me and I'll buy your paper portfolio just kidding!

One way you could distinguish is if you've been able to actively beat the market by a reasonable margin and talking about how you achieved it.

I think, more problematic than it not being a community service is the fact that it does not really involve any other people. Traditional ECs are important because they involve interacting with and leading other people outside of your core work/studies.

Nonetheless, stock trading can show your passion (provided, I think, it isn't just money that drives you) as well as your drive and desire to learn more about a field outside of school/work.

Hi praslee,

Stock trading is both a common side hobby of MBA students, and an activity that does not include other people as both jelt and parore26 pointed out.

I think it's a great hobby to mention in your application when asked about hobbies, or within an essay that discusses your interests in general, but I would not spend an entire essay on it. You want to demonstrate teamwork skills, leadership skills and management potential, and I think other examples are generally better for that purpose.

Good luck!

Amy

Thanks everyone. I do understand that it is a common interest that most of us have.

I haven't done any one thing that really shows my extra-abilities. However, there are many small thing that I do that may all add up. I guess I will have to formulate a strategy to come up with a holistic package rather than these individual ones.

Thanks.