When I went to Georgia Tech’s information session, the admissions officer described a boy who was really into some kind of computer programming thing where he managed to build his own computer game (or something along those lines). He didn’t sell it to anyone; he did it because he liked it. He didn’t put it on his app, but the admissions officer wormed it out of him later, and said that that was what put him over the edge to be accepted.
I would say that anything that takes up a significant amount of time that shows that you’re not sitting at home in front of the TV for 6 hours straight would be a good activity to put down, even if you don’t get volunteer hours or money from it.
Is student government activities even significant on applications?
I am involved in lots of ec. Varsity golf, Knowledge Bowl, MESA, NHS, Peer Mentor at my HS, and volunteer/tutor. So I am reallly active. Also, I am taking some classes at a community college. Since I am a student at the cc, I have begun activities there. I am a Student Ambassador. It’s a paid position to help students do well in school and help with “career-counseling” and everything they need help with (no joke, I do sooo much).
Now I want to get involved with student government… be the Vice-Pres. But I know this is going to be a lot with all of my other activities and school (since I am taking community college classes as a senior next year).
So here is my question :), does student government look REALLY good on apps? Or is it just another thing admissions ppl see every 5 students? Does it seem like my current activities are enough or do I need to get more involved? If I become a VP, it would replace the SA position.
The key is to do something with your student-government position. Innovative fundraising? A new campaign? Revised structure or procedure? Improve the SGA or the school. Leave a legacy.
Don’t be the girl I interviewed who said her being class president all four years meant she’d be the one to organize the class reunions. Asked what her legacy would be, she said she wasn’t sure she’d leave any legacy.
Which EC should I write about more in my essay?
I have been playing basketball since I was 4 and am currently on the school team. I am very passionate about basketball.
But, on the otherhand for the last 5 years I have voluneered for hundred’s of hours at a local hospital and I really enjoy that as well.
I’m partial to the anecdotal essay. Which EC has a moment that you can write from in great, idiosyncratic detail? Which will pull you the farthest from a cliche and offer you the chance to really sink your teeth into?
The mistake, I think, that kids fall into regarding their essays is that they think they have to write about a specific extracurricular to demonstrate their “passion” or “leadership” or whatever. Abstract ideas are never the way to go. Be specific; draw upon emotions and images that will resonate with the reader rather than just giving them what you think the end conclusion should be (“This kid is passionate!”).
My son is a stand up comic who has performed in a couple of clubs here in Los Angeles since he was 13. He has also performed at several benefits for charities. He is in a two service clubs at school and plays the ukelele and the dulcimer. His GPA is weighted 3.7 with 7 AP’s and his SAT is 2100. Is this going to be enough to make him competitive?
popularmom: Depends upon the schools he is applying to. If he is able to bring his character alive n his essay, he will be competitive to top schools. Hoewever, I suggest that he brings up his SAT scores. Crucial to the application are his cr SAT scores. Has he given any subject SATs?
Thanks.
It seems to me that EC’s must have some kind of IMPACT upon the community. Just playing the Triangle doesn’t mean that much, did you compose a song. Being in a rally isn’t notable, but organinzing one might be
What about participation?
Does like participation in a prestigiou event or competition count?
Or would it be better to just list the awards and recognitions
i know lots of people try to buff up their resume by just attending numerous events
I need some advice plzz
I am an international student with an average gpa of 3.2/4.
I am considering applying to a couple of strong schools in the US like duke, uni of pensylvania, tulane.
I know my gpa is not that high.
Can anyone plz tell me how much do I need to score on my SAT to probable get accepted.
P.s: I also have a strong ec backround. So I think I’m safe considering ec’s.
Also does the requirements of international students differ from the americans.
Thank you.
You’ll have a much better shot at Tulane than Duke or Penn. Try to fall within the middle 50% range for the ACT/SAT at each respective school. TU, in particular, will probably care more about your test scores than your GPA, which is not terribly low. Best of luck.
The thing is I wan duke or penn more than TU. I am aiming for a 2100. Would that be impressive and might get me into duke or penn or any school at the same level as those.
Thank you
I do not have pages and pages of ECs, due to the lack of non-academic activities in my country.
I have 3-4 ECs which I’m really passionate about, all of which related to arts and journalism. I have leadership positions at my ECs, and have won nationally recognized awards.
