<p>Hello everyone! I am a soon to be junior and the child of an active duty member of the U.S Air Force. Due to military relocation, my family and I have changed locations across country about 7 times throughout my life. 3 of those moves have been during the 2 years I have been in high school. Because of this, I find it hard to stay committed to activities and clubs. For example, at one school I become a member of a volunteer club, but then I move to a new school where the club has a different name and my seniority is scrapped and I have to start all over again. Or sometimes, I try to join a club but can't because I wasn't a member the previous year (which happens ALL the time). I know colleges like to see commitment in one activity, and they take quality over quantity. However, looking at my activities thus far, there is a long list of clubs, but barely any consistency in the time I was in them or any long lasting leadership roles. Will colleges (like Columbia University) take into consideration that I had to move a lot, or will they just think I'm a wanna-be Jack of All Trades? </p>
<p>Use your moving around as hook for your essays and i think you’ll be fine</p>
<p>@tigerman333 thanks, I’ll definitely do that. I just need to make sure it isn’t too cliche </p>
<p>I think colleges take that into account. It’s not for lack of trying that you don’t have stellar ECs.</p>
<p>I would develop a theme to your ECs though. Be ready to explain the consistency or path that connects your interests. For example, maybe the outdoors club => recycling club => environment club, etc. the names change, and you can’t help the move but try to show what your commitments are. Also, there is plenty of time as you are just a rising junior. You have this coming year to potentially get up to a leadership level in your senior year. Commit from day one and earn it.</p>
<p>@VSGPeanut101 Thank you, majority of them are volunteer work and/ or art related. But this year I’ll definitely commit myself to getting a leadership role. I’m actually thinking about starting a painting club at my new school, since we’re in the process of moving again.</p>
<p>@Leialei123 if you gonna write about moving, don’t explicit say how it affect your life, family, learning. The admission officers get ton of this craps every year and they are not dumb. Focus on the details. Describe the details and the details will reflect the burdens that you have to suffer. It also makes the essay more colorful and comes to life.</p>
<p>And, talk about your opportunities that stemmed from your transient lifestyle, not just the burdens. Your story has a lot of promise. </p>
<p>@long2181998 @dyiu13, thanks for the great ideas. I’m certainly going to use them when I write my essays.</p>
<p>you need good grades too </p>