how did you get your science research job ?
^This wasn’t direct at me, but my friends with research “jobs” (ie, unpaid, grunt work assistant positions, which is usually the name of the game for high schoolers) simply emailed local college professors.
This is cliche, but do activities you want. Those are the ones you’ll excel in.
Also, try to do activities that will deal with your intended major.
@954
Well why don’t you just play Pink Floyd to them anyways?
Excellent post,Thx!
I’ve got some standard EC and clubs that are solid - several black belts, etc etc.
However, I’ve also got some local gigs / jobs I don’t know if I should mention or not. I never know how much to bring up in the college app. I don’t think they want a laundry list.
Some of of my current gigs:
Blogger on a Asian American political blog
Social media intern & web designer at several startups (I set up the website, do the coding and HTML / CSS, promote them on FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, and post occasional blogs)
Freelance blogger on various websites (2 fashion and culture websites, 1 real estate website, 1 city culture website - featured blogger for the “dining” section), 1 psychology blog, 1 technology blog
Paid makeup artist & wardrobe stylist for 5+ professional photo shoots in the city
Model (mostly runway shows, a few print pieces in local indie magazines)
Intern at Nordstrom and local indie boutique
Working on a film with several local industry pros whose past films have made it onto the festival circuit
Are any of these worth mentioning?
How I regret that I didn’t take a five minute patience to read this when I write my essay…
^lololololololol
My question is (it might have been addressed somewhere before in the 60 pages) if hobbies count as EC’s or are worth mentioning in the resume. By “hobby” I don’t just mean reading, but something actually unique… like, if someone’s awesome at photoshopping, or crocheting/knitting/sewing, or cake decorating… could you include a portfolio of these things too? Would such things serve to make you “unique” in the college app process?Thanks for any advice! 
^Someone who is very good at a hobby is likely to have something to show for it: awards, a business, etc.
This is such a beautiful post. It really uplifts my heart. I’ve been in a real down situation since I no longer had straight A’s, nor did I have many ECs. However, I do have a good standing in school and have two things I’m really passionate about. Thank you!
How good do you have to be at something in order for the depth of extracurriculars to shine through?
I am a singer, and while my voice teacher and chorus teacher want me to go to a conservatory, I’d much rather do engineering. I am pretty good at it; I’ve won numerous competitions and am a paid scholar singing in a church choir.
Basically, I’ve got a lot of depth in the EC field, but since music seems so unrelated to engineering, how will it help me. If I apply to say, MIT, would I send in a vocal supplement? Would it help my chances at all if I did so?
Thanks! I’m just really hoping that all the time I put into singing (easily 500+ hours) will benefit me, but even if it doesn’t, at least it was fun.
P.S. I’m not worried about my grades/SAT scores; they’re high enough. I just want to know whether my EC will help me get into college.
If you have a genuine passion for chemistry, is there another way to show this instead of using competitions, awards, research, etc?
Hi I’m a sophomore and music is a big part of my extracurricular life. I started playing the viola in 4th grade, and will be in the chamber orchestra junior and senior year. I will have been the orchestra for all 4 years. I’ve played the guitar for 5 years and take guitar lessons. I’ve played the drums for 3 years and my mom’s uncle has been teaching me how to play. I’ve started to compose my own music electronically (ever since I took electronic music) on programs similar to garageband, and I have also done cover songs on there as well. I dabble in the piano just for song writing purposes. I find it easy to harmonize using the piano. I’m going to play at NYSSMA next year, and hopefully I’ll get a good score. I’m also creating a klezmer club next year with my friend. I’ve taken music theory and will take AP music theory next year. I’ve volunteered at an old age home and played guitar for them, only a couple of times though. I’m worried that most of what I do with music, other than what is done in school, will be missed by the admissions people because it’s mostly me playing to my ipod in the basement. Any suggestions?
Do you guys know those kinda people who are always obsessed with one thing, they learn everything they can about that thing, and then move on? Well I’m one of those people…I feel passionate about something for a little while, but then I move on to something else…So I don’t think that is real passion…But I have noticed that I do really like camping, and nature…And I really like health. Everything between running all the time myself, and reading journals about various studies…How can I take these passions a step further, and get involved in leadership, teaching, and volunteer activities within these fields?
My EC is photography- Photographer/Editor for HS newspaper, Multiple Photos published in a local newspaper, I have a photo internship set up for this summer, Have entered a few contests (One of which I think i have a decent chance) And was thinking at the end of the summer of starting my own little business for christmas pictures/senior photos. I have around 100 volunteer hours but none are in depth except for being the Creater of Habitat for Humanity club at school. Would this be good? Anything else I should do? Thoughts?
PS-I’ll be applying to schools such as Northwestern, Boston College, Univ. Texas, Duke, Northeastern, MAYBE Yale because I have 3 family members who have attended
(My stats are slightly below average for Yale, Northwestern, and Duke, but pretty much on par for the others)
I was wondering, does the duration of your EC’s really matter if you are passionate in all of them? Say that I started a medicine society at my school and continue it for two years, but in my essay, I explain how passionate I am in medicine- would this affect me negatively?
stanbrown3695 - So are you worried because two years doesn’t seem like a long time? I personally think it’s fine.
degreesoffreedom - Your ECs sound really interesting. But I would be careful because you don’t want to make it seem like you’re not being truthful. One of the mistakes students make when applying to college is overloading their list of ECs so it seems unrealistic.
Source: [Silly</a> Things Students Do When Applying to College](<a href=“http://hubpages.com/hub/Stupid-Things-Students-Do-When-Applying-to-College]Silly”>http://hubpages.com/hub/Stupid-Things-Students-Do-When-Applying-to-College)
@collegestandard: I’ve heard a lot of rumors that colleges would look down upon your EC’s if you have only done them for only two years. I just want to make sure that what colleges are looking for is commitment, not duration. Thanks.