Are These Decent EC's?

mikemac
Sun, 02 Jul 2017 23:47:48 +0000

Well…I’m considering Middlebury, Denison, Northwestern to name a few

You can look at the common data set for these and other schools to see what they say about how important ECs are to them. Middlebury, for example, chooses the top category of “very important”

The question about impressive EC’s comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with several posts by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges. The post is at The post is at [“Those ECs are weak…”- So what’s good?]("Those ECs are weak...."- So what's good? - #3 by Northstarmom - Chance Me / Match Me! - College Confidential Forums)

As you will see from that link, at the most selective colleges they are looking for depth more than just participation. Stanford, for example, writes on their website

Students often assume our primary concern is the number of activities in which one participates. In fact, an exceptional depth of experience in one or two activities may demonstrate your passion more than minimal participation in five or six clubs. We want to see the impact you have had on that club, in your school, or in the larger community, and we want to learn of the impact that experience has had on you.

Which is a problem for you because a lot of what you’ve done is “member of this, took part in that.” Not exactly the leadership or achievement that the most selective colleges look for. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply, you’ll never know unless you try. But be sure to spend more time thinking about matches and especially a great safety.