Dilemma Regarding Extracurricular Activities

Applying to College
1

Ignore GPA and SAT for now. I know that to IVY league and other excellent schools, recommendations, essays, and extracurriculars are almost as important as GPA and SAT’s, since that is what sets everyone apart.

I’m interested on how important recommendations, essays and extracurricular activities are for the following colleges:

University of Maryland - College Park
Penn State University - University Park
Purdue University
Michigan State University
Indiana University - Bloomington
Ohio State University - Columbus

Would you say that my EC’s are solid or lacking for these schools?
I don’t have many EC’s, but instead, I put a great deal of dedication into the few that I have.

Extracurricular Activities:
Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra - Third Stand
Rochester Korean United Methodist Church Orchestra - Concertmaster
All-State/All-County Orchestra - Second Stand
Varsity/JV Tennis
Rochester All-Nations Church Praise Band - Leader/Guitar
Penfield/Harris FIRST Robotics Club - Team Leader
Model United Nations
PC Repair Technician

2

<p>bumpbumpbump</p>

3

<p>I'd say that these large schools are likely very numbers-driven, so GPA, SAT, etc, are probably the major factors.</p>

<p>Your EC list looks fine. but you did not indicate years of involvement. In any event, I would think that your EC's would be solid - not so weak as to throw you out of consideration, but not so strong as to give you a "hook" admissions advantage.</p>

<p>U MD College Park does seem to emphasize essays; they request several, so they must read them! </p>

<p>In addition to admissions considerations, your essays and ECs many help you in the competition for merit scholarships.</p>

4

<p>Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra - Third Stand - 12th
Rochester Korean United Methodist Church Orchestra - Concertmaster 9th-12th
All-State/All-County Orchestra - Second Stand - 9th-12th
Varsity/JV Tennis 9th-12th
Rochester All-Nations Church Praise Band - Leader/Guitar - 12th
Penfield/Harris FIRST Robotics Club - Team Leader - 12th
Model United Nations 10th-12th
PC Repair Technician 9th - 12th</p>