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Extracuricular activities

aspire03aspire03 28 replies10 threads Junior Member
edited September 2013 in India
I was so happy to see a page just for indians :D
We don't have much extracuricular activities here right? (sorry if I am wrong but that is the situation where I live) I never thought of going and studying in the U.S until this year (I am currently in eleventh grade, classes just started.) So I was always studying hard to get into a college here, my grades are great but apparently studying in the US requires a lot of "extracuricular activities" so besides sports what do you guys reccomend I do (remember I have 2 years) I can join the student council, any other advice?
Thanks in advance :)
edited September 2013
16 replies
Post edited by aspire03 on
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Replies to: Extracuricular activities

  • aspire03aspire03 28 replies10 threads Junior Member
    I meant extracurRicular sorry for the spelling mistake.
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  • KhioneKhione 89 replies13 threads Junior Member
    You're right, the emphasis in Indian schools is more on academics. But there are several things you could do as extra-curriculars. Maybe try doing something related to your proposed major?

    Suggestions for general activities: music, painting, quizzes, dance, science fairs, volunteering, clubs in school, web designing, graphic designing, robotics, chess, public speaking, debates, theater, school magazine, poetry writing, cooking, sports, athletics, religious organisations, photography, event organizing, model United Nations, internships, leadership, jobs, swimming, National Cadet Council (yes, this in Indian), book club, hiking... need I go on? The possibilities are endless. You can literally transform anything you are interested in into a good activity that counts.

    If your school does not offer any extracurriculars, then take them up yourself! Outside activities all count. But remember, rather than having twenty different activities that you took up for short amounts of time, it is better to show commitment to a few activities. Good luck!

    Oh, and note: there's an 'edit' option on your posts to correct spellings and stuff :P
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  • aspire03aspire03 28 replies10 threads Junior Member
    Wow that's a lot.. I do go for hiking and I do a lot of baking but there are no certificates for this is that a problem?
    Thanks for your help.. And lol okay yeah saw the edit option :P
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  • KhioneKhione 89 replies13 threads Junior Member
    No, certificates are not strictly necessary. Try to make your activities sound interesting. If you bake a lot, how about trying to organise a bake sale to raise money for a cause? Be creative, and you'll catch the eye of an admissions officer.
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  • aspire03aspire03 28 replies10 threads Junior Member
    Thanks for all your help 😊
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  • savemylifesavemylife 70 replies0 threads Junior Member
    The thing with activities that can not give certificates is that try and get as much media attention to it as possible(i.e you at-least have newspaper clippings for credibility )
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  • IdleDevilIdleDevil 136 replies36 threads Junior Member
    Yes, the lack of opportunities and emphasis on extracurriculars is a problem here, especially if you're from a smaller city. But colleges want to see if you've made the best of the resources available to YOU. So look into things like internships with local newspapers/banks etc, volunteering with local NGOs, participating in theatre/music/debate/dance/art/photography/sports (whatever interests you) or starting your own club or organization.
    It really depends on your individual interests and hobbies.
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  • everliving48everliving48 20 replies2 threads New Member
    It's a common misconception that ECs are required to get into (a good) college. This is not true. Do what you're passionate about, and if you're passionate about academics, then by all means find some way to demonstrate this passion. You do not need to become a subpar musician or get involved in clubs solely for resume-padding.
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  • aspire03aspire03 28 replies10 threads Junior Member
    @everliving48: If you are right that is a huge relief! :)
    Thanks to everyone else for pitching in!
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  • hezekielhezekiel 260 replies25 threads Junior Member
    How do they verify our claims of social service/leadership/extra curricular activities?
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  • anialwaysanialways 1193 replies17 threads Senior Member
    Be honest in whatever you mention on the application. Certificates are not required. But colleges might verify with your school only if it raises a red flag. Please understand that colleges get applications in thousands and it is a job they do well and is reflected in the studnt body that gets selected every year.

    Also the school counsellors/Principals might/would make a mention in their LORs.
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  • hezekielhezekiel 260 replies25 threads Junior Member
    1)I have joined a new school for 11th and 12th Grade, and I have no way of demonstrating the work I have done in my native village's school ( which is quite far away).

    2) I hail from a very small city and there are extremely limited/no opportunities to display my passion for my intended major ( i.e- Chemistry/Material Sciences). How do I go about this?
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  • anialwaysanialways 1193 replies17 threads Senior Member
    Any activity that you have been involved in can be part of your story to reflect who you are as a person in the essay. What you did, why you did that, who benefited from it, what was your motivation, what is the learning that build your character as a person....so with activities just write the first draft without thinking to much. And then proof read multiple times and keep editing by throwing up questions.
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  • hezekielhezekiel 260 replies25 threads Junior Member
    and yes- what are high reaches, low reaches..and low matches?
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  • anialwaysanialways 1193 replies17 threads Senior Member
    Try to google, most of the information is out there,

    http://inlikeme.com/selecting-colleges-reach-match-and-safety-schools/


    http://in.princetonreview.com/in/2011/02/college-speak-selectivity-reach-match-and-safety.html


    There are some threads here on CC with discussion on that topic,

    http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/611093-safety-low-match-match-high-match-low-reach-reach-high-reach.html


    http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/743260-high-reach-low-reach.html

    http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/586799-what-s-low-reach-high-reach-safty-match-mean.html
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  • jaiprakashjaiprakash 1 replies1 threads New Member
    how can i get students-athletic scholarship
    plz email me the ans for this anyone on [email protected]
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