An Important question about ECs

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<pre><code> This is a question that's been bugging me for some time. When I was in high school, my main activities were pretty much Debate, and Science Olympiad, though to a far small degree. Now the school I'm going to, UCI, doesn't really have a debate program to my knowledge. Whenever I read the stats of outstanding students, they frequently have ECs that they've been doing for a long long time. The problem is, I never was that active and efficient with my time in high school/junior high, so i never managed to pick up an EC like piano/violin playing/athletics that i was really into. Now, as a 17 yr old who's starting college, is it too late for me to find something worthwhile that i can succeed in and really enjoy, and also is worht something to admissions committees, or what? for those who are wondering, history, geography, science, and chess are pretty much teh only interests that i have which could translate into an EC somehow. Do any of y'all have any suggestions or ideas? im considering transferring itno a college for sophomore or junior standing eventually, so this question holds particular relevance. thanks!
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2

<p>ECs are very good to spend time on, but they're not absolutely necessary for college admissions (especially transfer apps) if your other stats are good.</p>

3

<p>i realize that, but would doing research and being part of some clubs be enough? (assuming i want to be a good applicant for top tier schools- washu, northwestern, columbia, etc)</p>

4

<p>How do you spend your spare time? find something you like doing and stick to it :), do you enjoy playing ping pong? if so, get a teacher and start learning. do you like electric guitars? if so, start learning it! i doubt you spend your spare time wander around aimlessly right?</p>