<p>Black Belt in Karate
Studied Abroad in Ecuador for a Summer
National Honors Society
Spanish Honors Society
Tutor kids in the rough side of town(community service...no pay..)
Went to Mexico to help build a part of a church
Deacon at my church
Jazz Band
Plays Piano at Church
Team Doug(Hang out with kids with Cancer...community service)
7 years of Piano
7 years of Karate
Take part in numerous community service oppurtunities through my church. </p>
<p>Im only a sohpmore at hs right now. I put down the Honors society stuff because at the rate I am going Im probably going to make it into them.
Hows this for Columbia University? My main interests are history and politics and would probably major in both.
THanks!</p>
<p>Given your GPA, I'd say that you're on the right track but really you shouldn't be worrying about it too much right now. However, your ECs are mediocre (not trying to be rude). It seems that you're main focus is on community service, and if that is the case, then you have to be able to show consistency and passion for what you do. As far as the piano and karate goes, have you won any awards in these areas? It would be good to have some because if you haven't, adcoms won't really care about them.</p>
<p>waiit... his ECs aren't mediocre. WTehF, not everyone who gets into columbia has won hundreds of awards. He seems to have passions for music, service, religion, and martial arts. nothing wrong w/ that.</p>
<p>uh... that's just my opinion. i'm not saying he has to win hundreds of awards. i was trying to make the point that you can say you've done something for most of your life, put it on an application, but adcoms won't really care unless you have something to show for it, whether it be through awards or your essay, etc.</p>
<p>Its always nice to compete at the national level or receive national recognition for something you do (either a published article you write, science fair project at ISEF, Music performance etc...) That sets you apart from all the thousands of other people who have similar GPA, activities etc. Apply for nationals programs depending on your major too or if you are into community service join one of the summer programs that goes to really poor countries and helps them for a few weeks. That'll make you stand apart. I know a girl who spent the summer between her junior senior year helpin teach English in South America and she had to live out of a tent for like 3 weeks. Not only does that kind of thing set you apart but it makes for a great essay topic. Look at what your doing now and keep it all up but pick one thing to really try to stand out in. That's my suggestion!</p>