KahZoa

That's true, I guess. But I still don't think anybody should tailor their activities to impress admissions people. This defeats the whole point. If your ECs don't inherently stand out, write about your unique passion for them.

CollegeBound2007

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Have an EC you actually enjoy and truly care about that is something you've taken initiative to do and remains seperate from school...that will be a good EC.
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I don't think this is true.
Because, in case the above is true I should list my true passion as my main EC, which is reading books (fiction). I love reading books, I must have read nearly thousand books by now. Will that be considered EC? I guess not.

Northstarmom

Collegebound,
What you describe would be a great EC if you were looking for a college that matched your interests. Probably many liberal arts colleges, including top ones would appreciate your passion for reading. They also are places that pride themselves on producing many graduates who earn their doctorates and become known as researchers.

Places like HPYS, which want students who participate in lots of campus and community activities, would not find your EC impressive. However, based on your interest, you'd probaby be happier at a LAC where you'd probably find lots of peers who shared your passion for reading.

bluestar7

I sort of disagree. I think a LAC, especially a top one, sort of expect their applicants to have a passion for reading and to do a lot of reading for pleasure during their own spare time. If we're talking top LACs like Amherst and Williams and Swarthmore, I wholeheartedly believe they view ECs in the same manner that a HYP would.

I think in either case -- LAC vs. bigger university -- it seems that collegebound would strongly consider an English or literature major. Sharing a strong love of reading fiction (and citing recently read books, favorites, etc) is fitting in a blurb or essay about what he/she wants to do at that given college. I think in this setting, an adcom would be impressed by the depth into which collegebound reads.

I'm passionate about books and films, and I never thought of listing it at an EC. I think a lot of students, regardless of LAC vs. university, are avid readers. Instead I started a film club at my high school which started out small but grew tremendously where we were able to discuss films. It wasn't curing cancer or doing anything on a national stage, but it showed initiative. Collegebound, if there's no book club at your high school-- start one! I'd personally love to sit around and discuss lit with you- you seem like one of the more knowledgable students!

CollegeBound2007

Thanks, Northstar and Bluestar. Your suggestions are helpful to me.

realitysucks

HYPS typically dont reject based on stats or ecs in the later stages of admission, but because you DONT MATCH. you would probably feel uncomfortable. Any private or LAC would almost for sure accept based on the fact that you will fit and have a wonderful time on top of a good education.

sublemonliminal

Is it alright to include musical instruments in your list of extracurricular activities? For example, piano sax and guitar?

fhimas88888888

Sure. But if you just play in the band/orchestra, colleges won't be like, "GREAT JOB - we'll for sure let you in now!" Nonetheless, they will like to see that you do it. Conversely from the 'nonetheless' clause (joke ....... hahahahahaha, okay not really), colleges will not give you any EC points just if you play in the band - they'll give pts if you won something or have great recognition in your playing ability.

An0nym0u5

good ECs: anything that sets you apart and gives the college a reason to admit YOU.

honestly, i think this vague answer is best. the specific list of ECs can vary. if you're an academic superstar going for a nobel prize, this might be include major academic competitions. if you're business minded, this might include various officer positions where you manage organizations, or even entrepreneurial ventures. if you're into changing the world, this could include heavy charitable activities. with some schools, depending on what you're going for, you might need to demonstrate leadership capability as well.

Shark_bite

Does it hurt to have too many EC's? What if one is successful in most of them. Does joining a bunch of EC's in one's sophmore or junior year send out a "red flag" that that person is doing them just to impress admissions officers?

tjsgk90

i live in this small community in Canada...and ...we basically only have student council..and..leadership.. WHAT CAN I DO ??

MorsVenit

^^ Be creative.

JulesandJim

What if one really great EC is all you have? I have performed at Carnegie Hall, the White House, the UN and various embassies. What does worry me here, is that on this forum it seems to be emphasized that you need to perform a solo concert. I performed with 15 different people. We're all piano players, and we would each play 1-2 15 minutes pieces. I always thought this was a good EC, but now you need a solo concert? :-/
I mean I have a few other EC, but they're not pristine. What also worries me is that I love and adore the piano, but I know my parents are expecting it to help in college, and I don't want this to be a thing where you're forced to go farther and work harder and you no longer enjoy it

brand_182

hahaha as long as the other 14 people aren't applying to the same places, your EC will be very unique and impressive. Even if they do apply to the same places, it's no big deal. Performing at Carnegie Hall, the White House, the UN, etc. is VERY IMPRESSIVE and do not let anyone else tell you otherwise.

The Brian

would these get me points for personal difficulties/hardships/perserverance?

1. my biology teacher died.
2. my grandmother severely hurt her back and i went to take care of her 2-4 times a week at the hospital since my parents were working.