<p>I think if I do this right, it will say a lot more about the college admissions processs than if I just write twenty pages worth of thoughts. So here we go:</p>
<p>Hispanic male
GPA: 3.72 W
SAT: 770V,620M,760W (2150)
SAT II: 800 Spanish, 700 Biology M, 690 Literature
EC's:
-20 hr job at local store
-Piano Lessons since 11th grade
-Strength Training (Weight lifting) since 10th grade</p>
<p>-Took most challenging courses at school, one of only three students taking 5 AP's as a senior in his graduating class.
-Classics as his prospective major
-Very good recs from Latin and English teacher
-Attended Williams Overnight Visit program and was QuestBridge finalist
-Honors include several silver and bronze awards on the National Latin Exam, along with National Hispanic Scholar status.</p>
<p>Deffered, Accepted, Rejected?</p>
<p>he has weak ECs because he spends probably 30 hours at least a week in school, at least another 10 for homework, and then he works 20 hours a week. sheesh the kid has to sleep.</p>
<p>i'd be very surprised if you didnt get in, i hope your essay is good.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, I did get in and I couldn't be happier. But the whole point of this post is to show other people that you don't need a laundry list of EC's. I think a lot of time people on CC get carried away and think the only way to get into a top college is to be involved in everything, and frankly, that's just not so. Many adults here suggest quality (as in leadership positions) not quantity, and I think even that's a little bit misguided. I think what IS important is to do the best you can honestly do, ie, in the context of the opportunities available to you. If you work and are captain of the football team (along with 4 AP classes), why would you join another four clubs to your list of activities? I was talking to a professor at Brown (Pucci, during my visit) and in our pseudo interview he asked me what I did. I told him about my job and he said, "Wow, that's like working full time, what with school and all." So for future applicants, if you think your EC's are holding you back, but you've honestly done your best, definitely apply. It is essential to shape your application to show YOUR special circumstances. When they ask what your most important EC is (if you work), explain what it is that you do with the money, and why you began to work in the first place. </p>
<p>After having serious doubts about applying to top colleges due to my weak EC's, I decided to post this for others in similar situations to see.</p>