<p>My question is: Assume that I maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA, how much ECs will I need to transfer to tier 1 schools in US ?</p>
<p>I’m an international student and studies at a CC in CA at the moment. My major would be economics business for smth like that.</p>
<p>I have ran a business of my own ( selling laptop skins internationally ) for almost 2 years ( started in HS ) - will that be enough for my application ? </p>
<p>I joined couple of volunteer clubs during my HS years but when I went to US, I was afraid that taking up ECs would distract me from maintaining a good GPA so I stopped. Now things seem to be in the right track, should I take more time spending on ECs ( with a little risk of lowering GPA ) ?</p>
<p>One more question: What kind of ECs those schools ( tier 1 ) are really looking for ? ( namely, volunteer works, part-time job, self-employed ( like me ), or anything else )</p>
<p>pick things that interest you and dedicate yourself to them. quality over quantity - 3 EC’s to which you are very dedicated are better than 6 EC’s to which you simply go to meetings once a week. what kind you pick depends a lot on your major - for bio or chem majors, doing research in a lab alongside a professor/scientist would look impressive, for example. Show that you’re dedicated - put in hours, try to get a leadership position, etc.
Not all your EC’s have to be related to your major of course. Let’s say that you do community service - don’t just clean a duck pond or two for a couple hours. Get actively involved, organize events and lead them - even if you’re not President of the club, show some leadership skills. I think 2-4 activities is fine.</p>
<p>In general, ECs are not as important for transfers as for new freshmen, although if you’re aiming at the very top schools, you’ll need something to make you stand out. Top leadership positions, significant research, published papers, and important prizes are good at that level. Running your own business isn’t bad, though.</p>
<p>It looks to me from your post that you should be working on your English skills. Make sure to study the use of articles closely.</p>
<p>I find it hard to join more than one EC at my current school since we have an “activities” period where all ECs meet at the same time (at least one’s I’m interested in). Should I be concerned since I want to transfer to a top school? Should I look into doing research? Any suggestions?</p>
<p>What do you mean by “OP”. Is that a joke? If it is, I don’t get it =)</p>
<p>And thanks for your replies</p>
<p>Btw, I do understand that top tier schools are extremely competitive, I was just wondering if it’s possible to get into such schools. I will definitely set up more a reasonable set of choices when it comes to the time of applying. But you know, thinking of being a student in top schools always turns me on and I bet it goes to every one in here, too :D</p>
<p>I think it’s definitely possible for you to get into a tier 1 school, with good grades. Community college students who often didn’t do well in HS sometimes go on to work very hard in college and get into top schools. And your English is pretty good btw…I’ve met international students at NYU who are barely coherent.</p>
<p>thanks stargazerlilies
you seems to be very active in this 4rum and also very helpful :P</p>
<p>one more question: when some one said " 3 ECs is enough", does it mean that I should take 3 ECs at the same time or I need 3 ECs through out my 2 years in CC ? ( like … can I take a year off - not doing any thing but studying in CC and do the “3 ECs” during my second year ? )</p>
<p>you all are very helpful and I really appreciate that</p>
<p>edit: yet, one more : do ECs during my HS period count ?</p>
<p>EC’s in your HS years count somewhat, but I think most colleges are interested in what you’re currently doing. Most schools want to see some kind of consistent, interesting extracurricular, so 3 EC’s for two years would be much better than 6 EC’s for three months. Generally, the longer your stick with an EC, the better.</p>
and I bet it goes to every one in here, too :D</p>