Those who were accepted: How many extracurriculars did you have?

Kiefer · 12-21-2008, 06:26 PM

Hi,
I'm interested in Williams & I think that my academic profile is pretty strong. (APs, test scores, GPA) but I don't have any extracurriculars except for tutoring.

Advice please from those who were accepted? I read on the Williams website that extracurriculars are not as important as the academic profile, but I'm still worried that I'm not doing enough. I don't play any sports or anything either.

crnchycereal · 12-22-2008, 10:02 AM

What I'm about to say applies not only to Williams, but to all other top universities/LACs as well. A lack of extracurriculars is a big disadvantage for anybody seeking admission to these schools. Admission to elite schools has become ridiculously competitive over the past couple of decades. As more and more high school students take on rigorous academic programs and earn top marks, impressive ECs become more important as a way to stand out from the crowd. As the Williams website says, ECs are obviously not AS important as the academic profile; that's true everywhere. However, these days, strong academics act more as a "foot in the door" at these sorts of schools. Getting in takes more.

neurolax · 12-22-2008, 10:29 AM

I agree completely. At the elite schools excellent academics are a given. They are looking for talent, drive, interests, personal characteristics, etc that will make a diverse and interesting class.

blondeisbetter · 12-22-2008, 10:48 AM

I would say it's less about number of ECs and more about dedication and commitment (leadership positions, more than 1 year, etc...)

Kiefer · 12-22-2008, 02:00 PM

Thanks. My problem is that I didn't do anything freshman year. So...I'm a sophomore right now. I have to get going & do something!

Pawn_H7 · 12-22-2008, 05:02 PM

You should not have an account on collegeconfidential.com as a sophmore. Period.

(it tends to make EC's hard to come by)

JFoss117 · 12-25-2008, 08:43 PM

I was accepted ED:
to start i had a strong academic record (96/100, 2260, 5 on 4 APs)

my ECs:
-Viola - school orchestra (principal), outside select orchestra (principal), Area AllState (principal)
-Soccer - Varsity 2 years, JV. Premier team outside of school. (note: i was not recruited)
-A few random clubs

Maybe that helps a bit?

Kiefer · 12-26-2008, 02:43 AM

Thanks

I really need to get some extracurriculars other than tutoring...under my belt...

rockandrolltime · 12-28-2008, 12:02 AM

To make you feel a bit better--I didn't have a large list of in-school extracurriculars, but the things I did have I was really committed to, such as the newspaper. I would also try looking for things outside of school to do, I think my resume helped a lot in explaining my passions.