A few simple questions

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Currently I am a junior going to school in suburban southern california. My school is pretty good, last year it sent students to MIT, Princeton, and Stanford. I will probably apply to these schools as well as some UCs, so i was wondering.

  1. Will a super rigorous schedule offset a possibly weaker set of EC’s? Right now, I have without doubt the most rigorous class schedule in my grade. I am taking 4 AP classes on campus, AP level chemistry at a local city college, and linear algebra at a nearby UC(will not specify which one). Straight A record with class rank 2/500ish. Thus, I have less time for EC stuff. I play club and high school volleyball at an excellent volleyball school(though i am currently injured =(…). I also participate in math and science clubs(with leadership positions) and numerous competitions, though i have not won anything at the state or national level. This year, i founded a ping pong club as well. Will colleges understand that my class schedule inhibits greater involvement these EC activities?</p>

<li>How important is it to achieve recognition at the state or national level? I will probably participate in a national level research competition this year or next year, but i am still wondering if just having fun is not enough.</li>
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<p>Thanks for any responses!</p>

2

<p>The ECs that you listed are good. Remember, it's not quantity, it's quality. Colleges don't want see you that you participated in 17462 different things, and only spent an insignificant amount of time at each. If you have a few strong ECs that you are passionae about and devote your time to, that's all that matters.</p>

<p>It helps to have some recognition, but it isn't necessary. Your grades and class rank will defiitely help you.</p>

3

<p>Interesting. Its not really that much, just Volleyball, some sports clubs, and math/science. I'm not incredibly dedicated to a single subject/activity, but they are all tons of fun. </p>

<p>But will colleges recognize that a tough schedule makes it hard for me to become further involved, in competitions and activities which require large amounts of involvement over a short period of time?</p>