<p>Welcome, Leicestermom - the academic competitions are fine, if she enjoys doing that, she should continue. Scholars Bowl and band were my D’s main ECs, and she did fine. With ECs it seems to be most important to participate over several years, and hold leadership if possible. Most of the leadership positions at her school were popularity contests, except for sports, so the fact that she was Scholar Bowl captain her senior year was important.
Part of the EC “thing” is to differentiate yourself, to stand out from the group and to show how you would contribute to the community of individuals - when application time comes, one thing will distinguish her is coming from GB as a soph - that experience might make some good essay material.</p>
<p>As for the SATs, I think everyone needs a little prep, not necessarily to raise the score, but to get the mental muscles ready for the long test. The writing also can be a problem, often for otherwise good writers. The Xiggi method of studying on her own should work fine - she just needs to practice for the test, not relearn vast amounts of material that she didn’t get the first time.</p>