<p>So far I think it has generally been social anxiety that has prevented me from doing anything meaningful outside of school, but I'm just now starting to realize the importance of ec's in regards to the admission processes of top tier schools. I do have a very strong passion for science, so I'll be looking into starting a Physics club once school starts. I'll also work on getting some volunteer hours this summer. I'm not sure if this will put me into the competitive range or not, though. My grades are perfect, but I'm hoping to get into UCB which I've read puts a lot of emphasis on ec's. Will starting and running a physics club and having volunteer hours be enough?</p>
<p>By contrary, UC Berkeley (and all the UCs in general) tend to be more number heavy than private schools. Yes you do need some sort of “package” and character but gpa/test scores carry a lot more weight than at say Harvard or Yale. If UCB is your absolute dream school I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Of course, you should try to do more, but don’t freak out over it.</p>
<p>If you are before junior year. It will make an impact. You want to show you have been involved before your “important years”. Regardless its better to have an ec late, than not to have one at all. </p>
<p>Hey there. I’m writing this as a junior who has done a lot of ECs in the past, and some advice: Don’t do extra curriculars simply because you think it’ll help your uni applications. ECs aren’t like one-size-fit-all standardized testing - they’re valued because they (supposedly) help judge applicants more holistically, and because they offer a window to your personality. My advice is to get involved with extra curriculars, because you can learn so much outside the classroom, and genuinely try to find things you enjoy. If you absolutely detest tennis, have a miserable time while playing tennis but think the school of your dreams might like tennis players, <em>don’t</em> take up tennis. A good test for your ECs is - if I committed myself to this activity for a year or two but then didn’t get into x college, would I regret my choice? If so, that activity is not for you.</p>
<p>Bottom line is, you will be more dedicated at and better at activities that you enjoy, and that you don’t pursue just for the purpose of university applications or “well-roundedness”, and plus you won’t have wasted 2 precious years of your life. Have fun and good luck!</p>
<p>It isn’t too late to develop EC’s but be yourself. Adding a bunch of socially oriented EC’s just to have on your application, as 13lia1 mentioned, isn’t going to reflect who you are, and you probably won’t enjoy them. The purpose of EC’s is to show the colleges another side of you besides grades and scores, and so they should be activities that are meaningful to you. Starting and running a physics club is great as it shows leadership, initiative, and something you are passionate about. </p>
<p>EC’s don’t have to be in social context either. You may already have some EC’s to develop. Do you have an interest or hobby that you like to do in your spare time? If you have an interest in physics, something like pursuing research and science competitions would be very strong EC’s. You could tutor students in physics. Think about what you are already are good at, and expand it into different areas.</p>
<p>Social anxiety can be tough, and while you may always be an introvert, try to work on gaining more confidence in social settings. This doesn’t mean you need to be the life of the party, but the more practice you have talking to people, the easier it gets. In college, you will need to be able to approach professors for research opportunities, possibly ask TA’s for help, live in a dorm with many students, so it will help if you can work on overcoming some of your fears. </p>
<p>Yes. Give up and apply at McDonalds. No, I am kidding. Great advice above. Do something that truly reflects who you are.</p>
<p>Get a summer job at your local mom and pop store. Some colleges say that a student shouldn’t go throughout high school without a paying job. Also, I’ve noticed that a lot of my d friends have been getting jobs at frozen yogurt stores lol. They have been hiring like crazy.</p>