<p>I have seen a lot of people on here who list ECs I have never heard of. I've been disappointed that my school doesn't offer them, and I was wondering if colleges judge applicants based on what opportunities the school offers. I can still apply for certain individual competitions and programs, but it would be with little guidance from teachers or my guidance counselor. At the same time, I'm worried they'll judge me negatively for the opportunities I don't take.</p>
<p>Most of the clubs I'm in are small, and I don't do any sports, which are the most popular activities at my school. I considered doing winter track this past year, but when I realized the only reason I wanted to do it was for my college application, I changed my mind. The smaller clubs I am in are ones I'm sincerely interested in. However, I'm afraid colleges will be oblivious to my interets and instead say I'm not taking advantage of the programs my school does offer.</p>
<p>Here's what I have so far (rising junior):
- LMTI (president, likely officer position senior) - promotes drug free lifestyles throughout the community (outside of school); I'm not worried about the merit of this club
- Debate/Forensics (president, likely officer position senior) - very small club, ~10 people who aren't wholly dedicated. I can still compete, and my main goal will be expanding the club and serving as an example to new members, but I don't know if colleges will understand this.
- two2one - synth player in band since 8th grade, plays fundraising shows in addition to just for fun shows
- Lit Society (possible position senior) - workshop based club for aspiring writers; participant in poetry slam every year (3rd place sophomore year)
- Quill/Newspaper - I'll be a part of the staff, but I'm skeptical about my chances to be one of the editors-in-chief because I can't fit Journalism into my IB schedule; I told the teacher I would join the class during my lunch to do as much work for the group as possible</p>
<p>All of these will be 4(+) year commitments (I can't see them not). I'm also a little worried about having a strong "awards" section, especially because I'm taking IB in the place of AP.
Let me know what I can do to make these sections stronger, and let me know if I'm being paranoid or silly. That would be fantastic :]</p>