Mountain Dew

My current stats:
GPA: 4.29 by the end of the year
SAT: I'm going to take it in June.
Junior
Taking Honors and AP classes right now.
School population: approximately 2000 students

Work Experience: Working part-time at my family's restaurant (9,10,11).
Volunteer: None
ECs: only 1 club (11).
Awards: None

I'm going to tutor math students in May, and maybe some community service in the summer. I am really worried about my ECs.
Transportation problems + restaurant job= weak ECs.
I'm going to join a few more clubs and do some other things during my senior year, because I will have more time next year.

I wanted to join clubs earlier but there were a lot of problems during my freshmen and sophmore years.
I don't want colleges to think I am joining 2+ clubs next year just so to look good on my college application.

What should I do?

cooljoe

I'm in exactly the same situation, except I'm a freshman. My only ECs are piano and math club (which I only got a few minor awards in). This is for 2 reasons: transportation problems and I came late during the year, so I didn't find out about all the clubs.

orrican

cooljoe,
Don't fret. You still have plenty of time.

cooljoe

I'm just wondering: would it be bad for me to join a lot of clubs next year, which I'm going to try to do? I'm afraid this may be misinterpreted, and colleges may believe I'm just doing it to get admission.

kmanoj

Hey can someone comment on my post on the previous page. I really wanted some opinions on it.

nobodyjay

im gonna be going to my 4th year in marching band,
10th grade-secretary, and 11th&12th grade-president of band.
i feel like compared to everyone, adcoms wont like it? i mean i have a leadership position right???
but is it better to have like 5 more clubs like most people?

LisaG

Mountain Dew-- I think the restaurant job can actually work in your favor. College apps ALWAYS ask about work experience. It shows your commitment and responsibility.

If you want to pursue anything else, I think the key would be to pursue things that genuinely interest you and pertain to any future career paths you may have your eye on.

Papa Chicken

Mountain Dew-- as an employer of professionals in the service world, believe it or not, I actually look for service work at an early age when scanning resumes, and being a waiter or waitress is the #1 thing I look for. Generally, I have found that people who perform such work, especially like you repeated year-to-year, are sensitive to those around you and more mature in team work environments, have their egos in check, plus deal well with clients. So, you've got a head start in my book on life post school. For the college app process, suggest you make the best of what your part-time work has done for you....its certainly not less valuable experience than other EC's, and I would argue that it provides you a background well suited for the modern world, including being a strong contributing member of an academic community, where team work and working with people is important.

s0m30n3sh3r0

Hey,
I was just wondering if any of you have taken IB courses and have suggestion about what to use for CAS hours that look good on college applications as well.

StickerShock

kmanoj: I don't see how this would not be highly regarded by admissions departments. You've participated in a cultural activity for many years, performed at an international level, and even used your love of dance to serve others through your charity program. My D has almost a mirror image experience with Irish dance & music. In fact, it is so important to her, I don't think she'll seek admission at a college where she has no outlet for her music & dance. Good luck to you.

fhimas88888888

Any comments on my chances for the Ivies...?

-3.9 GPA at a private school
-2050 SAT (I'm retaking the SAT and am confident I can raise my score by at least 50 points (most likely 100) - I didn't study at all for it, as my current score so nicely demonstrates)

Awards
- State High School Composer (music) of the Year by my state's music educator's association (I should also be able to gain that award this year for the 2007 school year as well)
-All State Band Member 2005-06
-All State Jazz Band Member 2006-07
-State Speech Champion in Original Oratory
-Top finishes in Debate throughout the debate season
-Attending a composition camp (only 14 were admited throughout the nation) for kids up to age 18 this summer

ECs
-Varsity Soccer
-Choirs/Bands

APs
Our school doesn't really offer any AP courses other than the usuals (language and math), so I decided to teach myself AP U.S. Government and Politics and I'm pretty confident I got a 4 on it.

Any thoughts?

kevster1001

I'm afraid this thread will change from a "How to Impress Adcoms with your Extracurriculars" thread into a chances thread.

fhimas88888888

Sorry. Let me turn that around. My mom sent me this REALLY AWESOME article about talent that is invaluable.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/07/ma...=1147752000&en

cooljoe

Is it okay to have ECs that span across a wide range of interests without looking like you have a laundry list?

Mountain Dew

I'm not an expert on this.......but I think it is better to have like 6 ECs/clubs with strong leadership roles instead of 12 different clubs with nothing.