I just wanted to know if these EC’s would get me into a better school
On their own? No. Boarding schools want applicants who are pursuing their passions in meaningful ways. If your EC’s reflect that, then great. But don’t do an EC with the thought that it will get you into a better school/impress admissions. AO’s can see right through that.
Thanks for your reply! So in other words, I only have to join EC’s that I am passionate and can talk about achievements and goals about? And if I join clubs that are only to get into better schools the AO’s will know and lessen the chance of me getting in?
AOs want to know who you are…and yes, they will see right through someone who is just doing things to check off the boxes. So participate in things you love or are truly interested in being involved in. And be your best at it! Good luck!
Yes they will 100% see through that. Where are you trying to get in? Do ECs that represent your passions. Nearly all of my ECs were STEM and educational-community service related. Those are kinda my two things. Maybe try and figure out what you’re really into, because it’s really difficult to figure you out based on these ECs. From reading this, I can figure out that you like soccer, piano, math, english, environment, oceanic activities, and community service. Try to focus in on one or two things!
I’m glad that you are involved in many different activities, and even more happy for you if you genuinely enjoy them. I think as long as you are able to show the admissions office that you are passionate about all these activities/causes, you will be fine. All the other advices in the above are also great. Good Luck!
So, in other words, do you guys mean that the amount of EC’s doesn’t matter but only your level of passion matters?
I’ve read some of the posts on CC and found out that many people have humongous amounts of EC’s! That’s why I’m doubting if I should participate in organizations
SwimKid had very few EC’s. Swim took up almost all his time. All other EC’s were through school. These included community service and some clubs. He went to a private day school so with the commuting and 9 swim practices a week, there was no time left. But he is passionate about swim and family.
Not to sound jaded, but some people here “embellish.” Some of these EC’s take an hour or less a week, which IMO is just wasting everybody’s time.
As noted above, many student-athletes have the grand total of 1 EC, which they spend all of their free time doing. Whether the correct number for you is 1, or more than one, is a question for you to answer. However, there is no magic formula related to EC’s (or anything else) and BS admissions, which is why I suggested that you should focus in on those things that you enjoy.
I have focused on soccer for 8 years w/ about 8 hours of training a week! I think that’ll impress the AO’s as I have made a cut into the national soccer team and have numerous amounts of highlights!
If your soccer skills are good enough to get recruited in college (or Olympian level) then this will certainly help with boarding school. Otherwise it will be considered as other ECs.
FYI, 8 hours/week is the amount of time that a varsity athlete spends on his/her sport. In other words, it’s good, but by no means exceptional. The truly elite athletes are committing a minimum of 20 hours/week
Are you in 7th currently?
I’m in 7th
Those are some great ECs! Given that your academics and SSAT scores are sufficient, you can definitely go somewhere as an athlete. You sound passionate about soccer, so make sure to contact the coaches of the schools you’re applying to. However, more academic extracurriculars couldn’t hurt your chances, so I’d recommend doing something meaningful this summer, such as the Duke TIP programs.
Good Luck!
@HighSchoolGY Welcome to the 7th grade club where we stalk cc way to early! In terms to your ec’s I think your good though i’m pretty sure my opinion is no real help or assurance since I’m still a nooblette to this stuff.
@CottenCandyTrill Haha we’re both stalkers
Yup