difficult EC situation

<p>First of all, let me say that in regards to the activities I am about to detail, I was/am genuinely interested and motivated to pursue them; "looking good" for college was of quite minimal importance, believe it or not.</p>

<p>Ok, the first involves a political club I originally cofounded at my school in 10th grade. It was devoted to promoting political dissent and debate on campus. Things were all right that year, with it functioning as a conventional school club. However, once junior year came, most of the key members who were seniors were gone. We were unable to get enough signatures to get the club renewed by the student council, so it ceased to exist as far as the school was concerned. After 4 months or inactivity (we still met privately in a semistructured way), we decided that the club was really worthwhile; so, we redesigned the format of the club to be online and private, with anyone from school welcome to join. The thing is, it is not affiliated with the school at all; it exists entirely online. In any case takes a considerable amount of time to moderate and maintain. The discussions are quite robust as well, even surpassing the functionality of the original format.</p>

<p>So, can I put this on my application for 3 years (10-12) and would it look even remotely impressive? Either way, I'll continue to do it because it's actually a really worthwhile activity. I just wanted to ask if it's worth mentioning on my app.... </p>

<p>The second predicament is almost the exact same situation, except it involves a private charity organization I started with a friend. I am copresident as decided...well...by the total of 4 of us in the organzation haha. It is not a club; just four people trying to raise awareness for social ills. We have been approved and recognized by the California Secretary of State as a nonprofit coporation. Same situation though, online and non-school-affiliated. And this is a bit different in that it is a 2 year project, with junior year being a time to conceptualize, organize, and get approved by the state. This summer is when we really start solidifying the site and promotion. The whole time however has been devoted to raising awareness for the social issues we intended...just not on such a sophisticated of a site as is being used now and to a smaller extent.</p>

<p>So again, could/should I mention this private venture for 2 years, and would it seem even remotely impressive? </p>

<p>Again, keep in mind I am actually doing this because I care about the issues we are raising, not out of college-bent sangfroid (although maybe a little haha), so yeah...just need some more perspectives.</p>

<p>You should definitely mention both activities. It does not have to be associated with the school to be deemed an EC.</p>

<p>Frutiaspice is right. Some of the most impressive ECs are those done outside of school. Doing so typically takes more independence, creativity, and a higher level of motivation than doing something in school.</p>