<p>From what I've heard...</p>
<p>Basically, when you apply to a 'high ranking' college (ex: ivy, or hidden ivies), the admissions officers usually look at how well rounded you are. High GPA, grades, and standarized scores are practically 'mandatory' for these colleges. Obviously, average ECs (no matter how much you dedicate yourself to it) will not guarantee that you'll be admitted. Here, I think, is where the creativity factor comes in. How creative should you're activites (ECs) be, and how creatively do you need to present yourself in your application? Specifically in the essay. These are some of the questions I have. If possible, please provide some examples.</p>
<p>Thank You in Advance.</p>
<p>Please correct me if any thing above is incorrect (not grammer but context).</p>
<p>Anyone??? Maybe creativity isn’t the right word but can someone help?</p>
<p>I think when colleges talk about ‘creativity’, they want to see that the EC you’ve listed down on your application is something that you really care about. Its more about conveying your passion than anything else. Talk about how your EC, or whatever event/topic that you choose to write about, affected you on a personal level, and how you think this experience will affect your in college, and life in general. Hope this wasn’t too vague :)</p>
<p>Some people say that you need to have interesting ECs - Morris Dancing, ringing handbells, building trebuchets. But, many students I know have gotten into HYPS and other selective schools without doing anything unusual or strange. Just do what you love, and you will naturally be inspired with creativity.</p>
<p>Some say colleges are looking for well-rounded students, yet others will tell you they are looking for well-rounded student bodies. The difference is that a student who is really good at something–and does very little else–might be admitted over the student who tries lots of different things. It depends on what they are looking for the year you apply.</p>
<p>They aren’t looking for weird or bizarre activities. They’re looking for activities that made a big impact on the student and through which the student made a big impact on others. Accomplishing such an impact often takes creativity, not just doing what one was told or taking the path of least resistance.</p>
<p>For example, many students are SGA presidents and, for instance, help plan senior prom. Consequently, the typical SGA president isn’t going to stand out in a pool of people applying to top colleges. I know a student who as SGA president got all of the high schools in a county involved in building a Habitat for Humanity house. For the student to do that took a lot of creativity, passion, and organizing skills. That’s the type of activity that stands out in admission for top colleges.</p>
<p>Thank You so Much…Can I do or plan an activity designed to help others in art? If so , how? I really love art. I am involved in a lot of activities…Such as:
Pre-Med Club (secretary)
Tae Kwon Do
Help teach a language at a cultural school
Co-Leader of Cultural Youth Group * I’ve been involved w/ this org. since i was a child…
French Honor Society
Chem League
Take Piano Lessons
So basically, if I have passion and commitment, it won’t matter how “big” or “well know” or “out of the norm” the activity is. As long as I show true dedication, and personally enjoy it.</p>
<p>Thank You!</p>
<p>Yep. You got it! Good luck :)</p>
<p>As a side not: I wouldn’t focus too much on your Piano related EC. Just because playing musical instruments is something that EVERYONE seems to do. Pre-Med Club though, is pretty amazing for an EC.</p>
<p>Right now, your EC’s won’t stand out for the kind of top colleges you’re interested in.</p>
<p>If you, for instance, organized some kind of project for premed club, that could help you stand out. Examples: organizing a 5K that raised an impressive amount of money to fight some disease; establishing a speakers series in which medical professors talked to your club about their specialties. Just being a club secretary won’t make you stand out in admissions. Even if you were president of that club, unless you accomplished some kind of project or had done the bulk of starting the club (and the club would need to be more than a club on paper) you wouldn’t stand out in admission for top colleges.</p>
<p>Well for the Pre-Med Club (last year) we organized a couple of ‘school-wide’ events; however, the biggest test came when our advisor refused to continue advising the club. At that time, I was the only officer (she doesn’t like giving office positions; however, she felt I was dedicated enough to deserve the title). However, there were a few dedicated members. So, the four of us got together, found an advisor, and technically “restarted the club.” We plan to organize several events such as a “career day seminar” and more.</p>
<p>For the cultural organization, I am really involved, and it has significantly changed my life as a leader and as an individual. Also, teaching younger kids a language has been truly fulfilling. (I am one of the few youths who does this)</p>
<p>Also, I am a red belt in TKD (and I’ve been commited to this since 8th grade).</p>
<p>Would volunteering count as an EC? My coolest volunteering experience was with a Summer Program at an Art Museum. </p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Thank You so much</p>
<p>Hi Success18,</p>
<p>Showing that you went in French honor society or volunteering doesn’t really show that you are creative. Basically, your real chance to show how creative you are to the comittee is writing a very very very creative essay. This is why so much stress is placed on the essay, but many applicants ignore its importance. This especially applies when u apply to ivy leagues and top tier schools, where everyone has 2200+ sats and 3.9+ gpa.</p>
<p>Regards,
Google</p>
<p>Thank You so Much…
SO I technically can make up for my not so amazing and big and beyond activities if me essay rocks…</p>