Goobers82

I noticed that a lot colleges like to look at these to gauge students. My question is what are some good EC's?

birdhouse

"Good" is pretty vague. Anything that shows you have passion, serious interest, etc. But I'm also wondering what colleges expect for freshman year ECs.

NEU2NU

Colleges would like to use ECs as a way to get to know you better. There is NO formula regarding which ECs you should be involved in. The best advice is to get involved in things that interest you. As long as you are involved you really can not go wrong.

wayward_trojan

ECs for transfers are usually of less importance (especially for junior transfers). That said, they can be excellent tie-breakers and general "feathers in your cap" on applications now and for grad school, so get involved and see what's out there. The best ECs are the ones that you enjoy most given that you will likely be successful at them and have leadership positions, however, there is an unwritten pecking order of activities that is largely determined by the amount of work, skill, and dedication apparent to adcoms. (They can usually tell just by the nature of the activity and its importance in your application how serious you are about it.)

Types of activities:

1. Performing arts - Usually "fluff and stuff" unless you demonstrate exceptional skill (e.g., are a principal or ranked player) and devote at least several hours every week to rehearsal. (Being a principal player in your college orchestra is not the same as being in your school's Samba Ensemble/[insert token ethnic musical group that doesn't require an audition here] simply by virtue of the skill level involved, though being in Samba/etc. does score you diversity points and can help a lot so long as it's not your primary activity.)

2. Community service - Again, usually "fluff and stuff" unless you're really involved and devote serious time and energy to your endeavor. AIDS walk or racing for the cure once or twice isn't going to impress anyone - you'll have to demonstrate a commitment, which is hard (if not impossible) to fake on applications. Tutoring is a nice activity, but again, not impressive unless you're really involved and make it a big part of your college life.

3. Student government - Impressive only if you have a major position (i.e. required election by the entire student body versus just an appointment) and have a wide variety and quantity of issues under your purview.

4. Various cultural/hobby/miscellaneous clubs - Almost always puffery, but again, if you hold an officer's position and you actually have to oversee a large budget or a large staff, it can be very impressive. Usually, these clubs (e.g., Anime Club, Foreign Film Society, Art Club) are a dime-a-dozen and don't really require meeting very often let alone any substantial work/involvement/skill from members. Again, however, your level of dedication/commitment is a large part of what makes it important, but also the skill level required from members.

HopefulEagle86

^ If you held a Secretary position for two years in Good Times Center afterschool for 100 hrs. how good does it look?
I also have community service at Library for 67 hours.
Member of the Key Club (did activites, helped out in events)
United Federation of Teachers(UFT) for 12 hours.
But I lack NHS (arista) and Leadership..sadly.

NEU2NU

I agree with W_T,

Questions you should ask about your ECs

Are you in leadership role?
Does that role come with real responsibility?
Do your ECs require dedication?
Do your ECs require creativity and passion?
Do your ECs benefit others?
Do you work hard for your ECs?

ECs help Colleges gauge your personal qualities. You want to show Commitment, Dedication, Leadership, Responsibility, and that you put in a real effort in everything you do.

michaelungerrr

What should go on your resume under extracirricular?
Number of hours?Position?Years?Specific Committees, events?
Basically, how would one SHOW that they are highly active as opposed to another scribble on a page?