Do these ECs have much weight?

missypie
Mon, 08 Oct 2012 17:31:45 +0000

Dad2one, if you haven’t already, pull up a copy of (1) the Common App, (2) the on-line app for state Us in your state; and (3) and other schools that are of interest right now. You will get an idea by the space alotted, categories, etc. how much emphasis varous schools/states place on ECs.

When Son was applying, one moderately selective U had a “check the box” section for the ECs on the app…as in a box for theatre, a box for student government, etc. A student who was an usher at one play would have checked the same box as the kid who had the lead in all the shows and was president of Thespians. The student who served one term as student council rep would check the same box as a 4 year member who was president her senior year.

It wil give you some context to look at actual apps and see what they want you to report, how much detail, etc.