<p>I love to write, and my yearbook and newspaper activities display this interest of mine. My most important activity is Yearbook. I've been section head twice and will be editor this year. I know alot of people say that an award or recognition helps in admissions. So, I remembered that our book has been recognized quite a few times at Columbia Scholastic Press Association, which is national. The last book I worked on, also the first I worked on, won a gold crown, the highest honor at CSPA, so could I use that on my application? Or, no? Could it help?</p>
<p>I also like to build computers and fool around with them. I also like to fool around with Linux and other Unix-based OSes. Could these be considered activities? I'm just curious because I read someone mention how sometimes people don't realize something qualifies as an EC. These could help me because I'm looking for an engineering school.</p>
<p>The yearbook award is yours, just as much as the football team's state championship is every member of the team's. It doesn't matter that it was a team effort; if you contributed, claim it.</p>
<p>Then, here is another question. Last year, the first year for our NJIT Chemistry Olympics team, one of the groups won a second place award for one of the lab events. Could I claim that too? I didn't work as much on that, but I helped with calculations and methods, but I had to officially participate in another lab event.</p>
<p>If you were on the team I think you should claim it. If you were just helping out a friend, I'd skip it. Here's the litmus test - if the teacher/advisor thinks you were a part of their win, then claim it.</p>