<p>Colleges are interested far more in quality of one's ECs than in the quantity of them. Things like simply joining a club don't impress them. What does impress them is students showing a longterm commitment through ECs by pursuing the ECs and by having an impact on the organization through obtaining leadership positions (which one's recommendations typically will document), doing things in the organization that had an impact (such as raising a lot of $ for the organization or starting new initiatives. Typically, too, such actions are documented through the essay, interview or recommendations) or winning contests, participating in select organizations related to the EC (such as being a member of a community orchestra or of All State Band) etc.</p>
<p>Simply piling up hours and hours of random community service isn't impressive. It simply seems like one is trying to resume dress. People who do community sevice out of genuine interest usually will focus on certain types of community service and will, in their essays or interviews, be able to articulate how the experience shaped them, why they selected those activities and how they impacted those activities.</p>
<p>Through various experiences, I have had lots of opportunities to inteview students about their ECs. It is very easy to identify students who pad their resumes. When one asks for specifics about their involvement, their answers are vague and sparse. </p>
<p>Don't take the risk of having admission officers see you as a person who misrepresents their achievements. Adcoms would prefer to admit someone with weak ECs than someone who is unethical.</p>
<p>Lying on one's application also could cause your admission to be rescinded and even your college diploma to be rescinded. It's not worth the risk.</p>
