<p>Writing articles in a real newspaper is considered an excellent EC, even for Harvard. And it doesn’t have to be an internationally recognized newspaper. Winning awards for your articles is not necessary if it’s published in a newspaper. </p>
<p>Frankly, my complaint is that this EC is overrated; articles by high schoolers in the newspaper that I’ve read weren’t impressive. However, in their defense, newspaper writing is not always impressive. Also, I’ve only read the ones by Harvard students who ended up getting in trouble.</p>
<p>But the short answer is, yes, it’s a good EC, though as everyone says the stakes are higher for international students.</p>