<p>In my everlasting hunt for impressive EC's, I have come to the conclusion that the best way for me to show 'passion' in an EC and let it stand out to colleges is to win awards in that field. Thus, it seems I need to find 'competition-based ECs.' I am involved in debate, and I win awards in that, but my school's team is tiny and sucks and we don't go to enough competitions for me to win many awards. If anyone could give me ideas of 'competition-based ECs' I can get involved in, I'd appreciate it. Also, I really need them to be independent of school. You see, my school is practically anti-EC's in that except for sports people just don't like to join school organizations. And we really don't have many teachers willing/ capable of running them. USAMO and the like are really out of the question, but they give you an idea of sort of what I'm looking for. Math/Sciences are not my strong suit. Thanks!</p>
<p>I do Model UN and debate as “competitive” academic ECs.
My school has a Future Problem Solvers team, I almost joined. Try forensics.</p>
<p>I don’t think you are really right with the assumption that colleges like competition ECs better.
Do you think colleges prefer to see you with a 1st place finish at a debate tournament or an involved internship at a law office? I’d say the latter shows more drive and initiative.</p>
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<p>Many law internships are based solely on family connections and offer the student little opportunity to participate in the office’s goings-on. Consistently performing well in debate at the state and national level, by contrast, cannot be gamed.</p>
<p>Whoa settle down, chief.
Of course national-level tourneys are better than an internship. But idk what kind of internships you’re talking about. I spend 150 hours over the summer going through cases, doing research, and just generally shadowing the lawyer. Admittingly, I did get an in-depth experience because, as you said, the family connections. Nonetheless, I have debated at the CFL national tournament, and the internship was more rewarding and, in my opinion, would make me a more appealing applicant to top schools. </p>
<p>Plus, you need to be sure you will win something. Unless you are actually GOOD at forensics, model un, debate, science fairs, etc. you will look like just another person. Involved pre-professional experience shows that you are willing to take the initiative and invest the time to learn about a career field.</p>
<p>I have to agree with bzva all the way on this one. Sure, national competition awards mean a lot, but they are not necessary to stand out. And like he said, there’s the risk of not getting an award. In my opinion, an internship looks a lot better than an award. If you are looking for awards, they should all be centered on one field that you are interested in. Don’t go award hunting.</p>