<p>Hi, this isn't really a "chance" thread, mainly because I've posted one before, and because I know I would end up annoying people since I'm a junior and I haven't taken most of the standardized tests yet so I don't have scores. I just want to get a few opinions on my EC list--is it enough to stand out at these schools?</p>
<p>-Yale SCEA
-Columbia
-Brown
-UChicago
-Amherst
-Wesleyan
-Williams
-Swarthmore
-Georgetown
-Florida State (in state)
-Any other good ones?</p>
<p>Like I said above I'm only posting ECs not academic stats:
-Organizing for America, aka Obama for America: Fall Fellow (intern), 4 months September-December last year; Phonebank Coordinator for local team (I run phonebanks to recruit volunteers, among many other assorted volunteer activities. I have volunteered at least 10 hours a week since September. Over the summer I plan to volunteer close to full time. In addition, we are planning another internship program and I have been invited to serve as the head of the program.
-Core Council Member of MoveOn since May 2011, helped organize rallies and voter registration drives
-Member of Political Forum club at a local college where I'm dual enrolled--I haven't done much for them because I have class when they have their meetings, but I plan to get more involved next semester
-Phi Theta Kappa (honor society) at the college where I'm dual-enrolled
-I will be attending American Legion GIrls State this summer.</p>
<p>Is this enough to stand out? I'm homeschooled if that makes a difference. Also, should I get an extra rec letter from my boss at OFA? I don't want to annoy colleges with loads of extra recs but she completely adores me and says I'm the best volunteer on the phone so I think it could be a really good one. I also think its the only way to really show that I make more calls and recruit more people than any other volunteer.</p>
<p>I'll chance anyone who posts a link.</p>
<p>Good start. What will help is to show you increased responsibilities and that you maintained the commitment. A lot of kids (ime) show some political activity, but just a little bit or easier work. (I consider phonebank work tough for a hs age kid.) Will help if you are interested in humanities, esp poli sci or related. I strongly suspect you’ve omitted some of your activities here- mind adding them in? Music, church, community service for the needy, local sports, etc-? Ie, in addn to politics.</p>
<p>You can get an OFA letter; try to ensure it hits valid points for your app- your contribution, adult-level responsibilities, energy, how you handle issues, etc. (Have you looked at Home Schooler application requirements and supplements?)</p>
<p>@lookingforward, as a matter of fact, I did forget a few things! I forgot to mention that I’m a green belt in judo and on the Board of Directors at my judo club, and I have over 50 service hours associated with it (it’s a nonprofit). I also have a few homeschooling group ECs–like writing for/editing a homeschooling newsletter. Thanks!</p>
<p>These ECs will not make you stand out at top colleges.</p>
<p>@waverly: why? What can i do about it? If not that (keep in mind I’m homeschooled w/ no access to school clubs) then what do you need to stand out?</p>
<p>Homeschool is viewed a little differently, ime, because you don’t have scheduled opportunities- no just going over to some club room when the bell rings, no same old choices or hordes of kids you can team with. That’s not a disadvatage- just pick activities well and keep an eye on responsibilities, teamwork, growth in leadership, how you can organize, etc- and the impact you can have. Try to find comm service where you work directly with the needy- something that takes you out of your usual comfort zone- and commit the time. </p>
<p>For some kids, H-S is very empowering- that’s what you want to come across. But, since college will involve nearly all non-homeschool kids and more structure, you need to show you can integrate well. Girls State is a good example; see if you can rise in position in that. See what you can add that’s like that. Good luck.</p>