<p>EC wise, I’m doing Model UN, Debate, Mock Trial, and research with an emphasis on everything (maybe not debate, idk). Are these too “cliche”?</p>
<p>If you like doing those things, then do them. Do what you want to do, not what you think will look good. I didn’t even know research in high school was a thing until I joined CC, so it must not be super cliche… But those seem like pretty standard EC’s from what I’ve seen on here, so maybe.</p>
<p>I think it’s an over-used word that can mean almost anything.</p>
<p>I’m with @LoveArtForever - I’ve never even heard of HS students during “research” until I joined CC - its not something anyone does at the local public school or the local private school, so I don’t regard it as cliche.</p>
<p>Frankly, it doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>I went to a seminar today about admissions to highly selective colleges with several representatives of top colleges in attendance and they all emphasized that it’s far more important to be authentic than to be original. When colleges get tens of thousands of applications each year the chances are good that no matter what you do, lots of other people will do those things as well. Rather than trying to avoid being “cliche,” focus on the things you love doing, and do them to the best of your ability.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! I really do enjoy doing these things. In fact, I joined a ton of other clubs initially this year (SGA, NHS, MAO, etc.) and I didn’t really enjoy them, so I quit. I’m going to try to get back into programming again and see if I can create a fairly good indie game. </p>
<p>Also, due to my principal’s stubbornness, I can’t do many debate tourneys. Is there any other way I can show my passion/interest for debate?</p>
<p>It’s just sad to ask if the activities you do are “too cliche”, assuming they are what you like. I mean seriously, would you actually try to modify them with something “better”? Seriously, no those aren’t cliche at all, I am the only one in my school to have done research, it’s very unique for high school students. The thing is, you can make the other ones worth more on an application by winning awards, gaining leadership experience, and generally excelling.</p>
<p>Research in a school activity might be somewhat boring but do what you like to do. On the other hand, research experience in a professional environment looks extremely good to a school</p>
<p>I don’t mean research like looking stuff up and whatnot. I mean research like laboratory research lol</p>
<p>Keep in mind that most/all of the people answering this question have neither been admitted to college nor served as ad coms at highly selective institutions.</p>
<p>Whenhen, it seems that you attended Emory University. </p>
<p>Would you consider research cliche? I’d like to apply to Emory, so an Emory grad’s perspective would be valuable.</p>