<p>I'm a sophmore from Mississippi, and I am seeking advice as to what I should do in the upcoming years to maximize my chances. My school offers virtually no EC's that aren't related to contact sports, so naturally I am concerned about a lack of activites. Any thoughts? Also, does anyone have any information about the JSA Summer School at Yale and its helpfullness on an application? Thanks.</p>
<p>start your own ec's , thats one of the best ways to perk up the interest of an adcomm</p>
<p>Starting your own EC's is an excellent idea; also, depending on your interests (e.g., science, politics, music, community service, etc.), what about activities beyond your school? It's more important to focus your energy and commitment on a few EC's--whether inside the school or out--that really matter to you than to pad your resume with a lot of superficial activities. </p>
<p>There's a good thread in the Parents Forum on the connection between summer programs and college applications: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=32957%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=32957</a>. In general, unless the programs are so selective that getting admitted to them is a signficant achievement, they are better for enrichment than for impressing college admissions officers.</p>
<p>i started a politics/debate club at my school....JSA kinda inspired me to do it.</p>
<p>I was in JSA for a while..... until I started my own club</p>
<p>My school doesn't have a newspaper. How about starting one? Does anyone have experience with this? What are some more ideas?</p>
<p>i sympathize with your pain...it's hard trying to compete with kids who have tons of resources at their disposal when you don't live in an area that's very receptive to....well, higher education :D</p>