<p>Whenever I've looked at case studies of applicants that got into HYPSM, the student also is part of/president of NHS or whatever club. I've thought about it and what about all the applicants that aren't "that super star leader" in school?</p>
<p>(Me in particular): I play football in the fall and I throw discus in the spring. I am not a part of any clubs at the school and I really have never held any academic title of leadership. I am however an entrepreneur. I am finishing up a summer of interning at two companies here in Jakarta, Indonesia and I will be returning to my home in Colorado within the next couple of days. I have also met and become acquainted with some very wealthy men here with whom I will be receiving funding to start up a string of academic/social websites. </p>
<p>My point is that THIS is what I enjoy. The business world, where I experience a lot and learn a lot but I don't have all the titles and credit that most high school president/social/schmoozer kids get. </p>
<p>So will the admissions people at Stanford (my dream school and mother's alma mater) understand and acknowledge my accomplishments even if my application may not say that i've been a part of any school clubs? I feel like I'm trying to stand out among a ton of future presidents who have a lot of titles and awards, etc. </p>
<p>How can I show that I'm doing my own thing? (Might I add that I don't think there are many athletes in high school with the time to do what I'm doing, while maintaining a good GPA with AP classes.)</p>
<p>Good news for you - Stanford is starting a dorm for entrepreneurs next year- sort of an incubator for new ideas. That’s in addition to all the other support they provide from VC companies and faculty to students who want to start their own companies. Yes, Stanford totally gets the idea that starting clubs and being president of the honor society - if that’s all you have to offer - is lame. Read the article in the April New Yorker for further insight into Stanford’s relationship with Silicon Valley before you apply: It’s a controversial article and there are a number of interesting responses as well. [Is</a> Stanford Too Close to Silicon Valley? : The New Yorker](<a href=“http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/04/30/120430fa_fact_auletta]Is”>Stanford and Silicon Valley | The New Yorker)</p>
<p>NHS offers zero benefit in admissions. If it’s there, they see it, move on, and quickly forget about it. It’s not important. If it’s not there, they won’t notice.</p>
<p>Generic school clubs–even officer positions–are boring, average ECs unless you’ve actually accomplished something with them. And the average applicant isn’t accepted to HYPSM.</p>
<p>Plenty of people have strong ECs without having any school-sponsored ECs. School-sponsored activities are just one form your ECs can take. Your ECs sound promising.</p>
<p>As long as you show your commitment to your EC’s as well as show their impact, there is no problem. Your plan to start some websites sounds very interesting! And remember, “quality over quantity.”</p>