I’m here at Harvard SSP, and they recently had a college fair. It seems that the top ranked schools all had a similar message when it came to their admissions philosophy, and that was that they try to put together “the most unique blend of students available”. And, as we all know, they tell us not to load up on ECs just to look good on paper, but to be involved in a few things you really like.
Well, when I was evaluating my own ECs, it seems that I do a lot for the thing I really like, and that’s Islam. For example, I’m the VP of our high school’s Muslim Students Association, I take classes throughout the year to earn a degree in Islamic studies from the Al Maghrib Institute, I’m helping organize an orphan sponsorship drive with a charity called Islamic Relief, etc. I do these things because I like them, and I never really thought about putting that on an admissions application. But now that I think about it, those activities reflect a large part of who I am and what I like to do.
But my question is, could all this religious association be a bad thing when it comes to applying for college? I mean, let’s face it, today many people feel uncomfortable and cautious around Islam and Muslims in general, and it’s not that I am blaming them (I blame those who propogate these false Islamic ideals, but that’s another issue), that’s just how it is. What do you all think?
<p>The only comment I want to make is that my platonic ideal of the admission officer is of someone who is all the more embracing of a singular background.</p>
<p>I have heard of theories that adcom members are not receptive to Eagle Scouts since the Boy Scouts decided not to allow gay members or scoutmasters, but I wouldn't worry it. If anything, religious tolerance is politically correct and people on adcoms would lean in that direction, at least at the vast majority of selective schools. </p>
<p>I don't think Americans really connect the terrorists attacks with Islam anyway. Of course, there are going to be some people, but some people are neo-nazis.</p>
<p>Something that you might want to think about. Do you ONLY do things that are connected to a religion? While that is great, it could be a flag. If a student put downs, say Irish Club, Ireland United, Celtic Dance...all are good, but in a way it appears to show a narrow focus, even though it is far from it.</p>
<p>That said, I wouldn't worry, I think you will be fine.</p>
<p>You make a good point, what other activities do you suggest I could participate in to show a broader horizon? Not say that I'm only involved in religious activities, but I'm just wondering your take on what other activities complement the ones I already listed.</p>
<p>If your religion is a big part of your life, then why should you do anything except be proud of it? Your involvement should come across on your application. If anything, the adcom will see that you are committed to something, and they wouldn't use it against you.</p>
<p>I would stress that much of what you do, you do for the sake of others--as a Muslim, rather than for the sake of Islam through people.</p>
<p>I realize it amounts to the same thing and that in your way of thinking you probably do all that you do for God, not for Islam or people per se, it's just that the adcoms will tend to be thinking of social involvement, not metaphysical involvement.</p>
<p>Something else, with the ECs having such a common name, be it Irish, Comedy, Catholic, Dogs, it is to easy for everything to get lumped together and appear as ONE EC, even though they are different.</p>
<p>Its not that the Adcom people would us it against him, it is just that when people are perusing things quickly, if it all APPEARS to be part of the same thing, that is what can be a disadvantage</p>
<p>It can all be in the way you list things.</p>
<p>I don't know that you need to add anything, that is up to you.</p>
<p>It's nice to see another Muslim on the board. :) </p>
<p>I think EC's concerning Islam would be a plus. In fact, I think it'll increase your chances because Muslims aren't so widely represented at the top schools (correct me if I'm wrong.) In addition, religiously conscientious students are pretty rare on college campuses from what I've seen. But like the others have said, you do want to have other EC's outside of Islam. </p>