Do You Really Need ECs That Are Related To Your Major In Order To Get In?

Applying to College
1

<p>I want to major in computer science, but the problem is that I have no ECs that relate to computer science.</p>

<p>Reasons Why:
The high school I go to has no computer club or computer class. I tried to start a computer club, but it didn't really last long. Actually, it did not start at all, because my guidance counselor said that I need to find people interested in computer club in order to start the club. She says that the reason why no computer ECs or classes are available at the school was because most, if not all, students at the school have no interest in it.
I couldn't tranfer to a school that has all of this computer activities, because my parents said so. </p>

<p>GPA: 94.5/100 (unweighted)
SAT: 2360
SAT II: 800 US History, 800 German
ACT: 35/36
AP: US History (5), European History (5), US Government (5) </p>

<p>My EC's
Co-founder of Anime Club
Founder and President of Academic Trivia Club
Political Debate Club
Vice President of History Club
240+ hours of community service
Self Studied German (probably can't put that on my app, but I did get an 800 in the SAT II German test)</p>

<p>I want to get into a good school, but it doesn't have be extreme as the Ivy Leagues. I am an incoming 12th grader, so I can't really add to my app anymore.</p>

2

<p>When they care about ECs at all, colleges care a lot more about your demonstrating passion about anything at all, not that it’s about your intended major or career. I’ve seen a statistic that the average college student changes their major twice during their studies - very rarely do adcoms take seriously the intended major written on an application. What they’re looking for is the ability (and desire) to focus, put in a sustained effort, and meet with success, both inside the classroom and out. So yeah, it’s ok that your ECs don’t match your major - if anything, that just makes you well-rounded. What matters is that you have things you’re interested in, a good indicator you’ll be interested in whatever you settle on studying.</p>

<p>Side note: I would totally include your German self-study on your applications! That’s really impressive to have independently learned enough to excel in comparison to those who’ve studied it in classes, and absolutely a sign of interest, passion, and dedication.</p>