Activities/EC evaluation

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

Working on the activities list for a kid who really wants astronautical engineering, either a degree that says astro (rare) or an aerospace program with a focus on space.

Stats are 3.9GPA APs, DE Calc I-3 senior year, 1500 SAT

1. High-Power Rocketry
Position: NAR Level 2 Certified Flyer
Organization: Independent / national rocketry organization
Description: Design, build, fly rockets past 10,000 ft & Mach 1. Run flight sims, integrate GPS avionics & ejection charges, compare flight data to predictions.
Grades: 10–12

2. Regional Aerospace Club
Position: Build Team Member; Project Lead & Mentor
Description: Built 8x-scale replica of a commercial model rocket; mentor new high-power builders. Composite layups, finishing, launch safety; help make solid & liquid motors.
Grades: 10–12

3. Statewide Aerospace Scholars Program
Position: Scholar, Summer Residency
Organization: University-affiliated, NASA-endorsed STEM program
Description: Completed 5-credit university engineering course and was selected for competitive Mars mission design residency.
Grades: 11

4. High School Flight Club
Position: Treasurer
Description: Manage club budget; lead rocket-building sessions; help members fly drones and RC aircraft.
Grades: 9–12

5. Varsity Lacrosse
Position: Varsity Goalie; All-Conference
Description: Varsity goalie since sophomore year; All-Conference as a sophomore. Year-round training, club tournaments, and off-season conditioning.
Grades: 9–12

6. Amateur Radio
Position: Licensed Operator
Description: Coordinate launch-day communications and rocket recovery by ham radio; use APRS packet tracking to locate high-power rockets after flight.
Grades: 10–12

7. Drone Operations
Position: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
Description: Fly drones to film rocket launches and locate lost rockets; apply FAA airspace, weather, and safety rules.
Grades: 11–12

8. Work (Paid)
Position: Warehouse Associate
Organization: Manufacturer of automotive protective films
Description: Shipping, receiving, cutting and boxing film samples, and warehouse upkeep; 35 hrs/week each summer.
Timing: Summer

9. Volunteer
Position: Teacher’s Assistant Volunteer
Organization: Local elementary school
Description: Help elementary teachers prepare classrooms and materials; assist with STEM lessons and hands-on activities.
Grades: 9–12

2

Are these ECs in the order of importance to the student?

These ECs are solid, and descriptions good. Quantify wherever possible. Make sure to complete how many hours per week and how many weeks per year in appropriate common app fields. A few potential ways to quantify:

  1. How many students did/do they mentor?
  2. Was this a competitive selection program? If yes, say that.
  3. How large is club budget? How many members in club?
  4. Is this for money? volunteer?
  5. How many summers/which grades?

I have no doubt this student will get accepted to astronautical/aerospace programs provided they apply to at least a couple of schools with relatively high admit rates (that are affordable.) Many of those interested in these fields do also consider ME, as ME may offer more optionality. Watch also for secondary admission requirements for AE.

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