<p>So far I have music, reading, poetry, and writing, but what are some that are really unique?</p>
<p>umm… you have to be more specific. like, for example: writing. What did you do to expand your interest in writing. there are creative writing programs that can stands out alot like idk…Emerson College Creative Writers Workshop? If you’re still a freshman/sophomore. start looking for them now before it’s too late. Also, get involved in school clubs and get some big positions like Pres or VP. that’d stand out too. what you stated above are all really broad and vague. try to be more specific.</p>
<p>Music: Violin, ukulele, guitar, piano. Writing: poetry, essays, short stories, songs. Photography. And I don’t think that reading needs an explanation.</p>
<p>After every admissions cycle, or during freshman orientation, colleges usually publicize their accepted student’s accomplishments, which generally are related to extracurricular activities. For example, in 2011, Yale noted that</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Generally, if you have to ask, you’re likely not in line to accomplish one. </p>
<p>But read thru this if you’re inclined
<a href=“How to Impress Adcoms with your Extracurriculars - Admission Stories - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/admissions-hindsight-lessons-learned/82799-how-to-impress-adcoms-with-your-extracurriculars-p1.html</a></p>
<p>The EC’s you have read more like “interests” than extra curricular activities for the most part. Playing 4 instruments is great, especially if you’re able to do so at a proficient level for at least one. Writing and photography are both good as long as they step outside the realm of a hobby–are you part of a literary magazine club at school where you can publish your work? Writing and taking pictures are both great, but if it’s just something you do for fun after school without taking any extra curricular classes, workshops, or clubs, it might be hard to incorporate it into a college application. Same goes with reading–are you part of a book club? You can’t just put “reading” as an EC on the common app. If it’s something you love, you can start a book club at your school. That’ll show leadership, initiative, and will turn a hobby into something you can officially show colleges.</p>
<p>Not many people are fortunate enough to have won major awards/competitions. Instead, you need to try and think about yourself from an outside perspective, or have someone else help you. Often, the things you enjoy doing feel so routine that you don’t even think of them as extracurricular. For example, maybe you like to learn languages or teach yourself how to play a bunch of instruments. Other people have the ability to look at you objectively and point these things out to you.</p>
<p>Things that teenagers typically don’t accomplish are generally what you want to aim for. For example, I was reading a book about a student who raised pigeons and how it helped him in college admissions. Writing for your local paper, owning a star, and research that leads to important discoveries are things that stand out.</p>
<p>Read Cal Newport’s book, “How to be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Guide to Getting Into College by Standing Out (Not Burning Out)”. It really helps you think about how to develop some unique EC experiences that can set you apart.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I really hope this is an auto-correct error.</p>
<p>@MrMom62 It’s actually relatively easy to get a star in your name. A number of companies will sell you a star and record the name you give it. Prices range from less than $20 to more than $150, depending on the company and package. International Star Registry, for example, has been selling certificates with star names on it since 1979. Other companies are Star Namer, Star Foundation and Name A Star Live . There are literally dozens of others. Imagine a school club where you raise money, name stars, and give it out to maybe sick children or the elderly. That would be VERY unique</p>