<p>Most of my awards and recognitions that I'll list on my applications are from sophomore year. I have a couple from freshman year and a couple from the beginning of junior year. </p>
<p>The thing is, I had to quit getting lessons for music and my other activities because of financial issues for my family. But I've continued them by myself at home and participated in orchestras without formal lessons throughout the rest of my junior year, and plan to do so for my senior year. </p>
<p>Will it hurt if colleges see that most of my recognitions are from 10th grade and not my junior year when it's the most important?</p>
<p>No, it won’t hurt. Most colleges don’t use ECs and awards as admission factor anyway.</p>
<p>For the ones that do – places like HPYS - just include info that you self studied your instrument after your family could no longer afford lessons for you.</p>
<p>Where would that information go?</p>
<p>So for example on the little section where you list your EC’s and hobbies on Common Application, they only made you fill in the bubble for when you did your EC’s and other basic info.</p>
<p>And also, I’m not applying to HYPS, but I’m still looking at first tier schools like Cornell and NYU. I’m assuming/hoping that these schools still see awards and recognitions as an okay indicator for your dedication to EC’s?</p>
<p>You can write it in your essays if you would like, or even have your guidance counselor explain in their recommendation if they mention your musical interests. It’s totally fine if the awards are mainly in 10th grade.</p>
<p>Also, Cornell and NYU definitely value EC’s, don’t worry about it and good luck!</p>
<p>@Northstarmom</p>
<p>What are you talking about? Tons of colleges factor in extracurriculars into admissions decisions. It’s most certainly not just HPYS. Take a look at some college profiles, realize that there are some very high quality schools with talented students outside of HPYS: <a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>http://www.collegeboard.com/student/csearch/</a> And yes, these schools like to see that people are more well-rounded than 4.0ing every subject and acing the SAT.</p>
<p>@gashergina</p>
<p>ECs definitely do count in admissions, but you won’t be negatively impacted by cutting some short. In fact, many application essays really look for that story about hardship, having to cut back because of financial troubles. If you can show that you are dedicated to what you still do, even if that is simply your academics right now, you will be just fine =)</p>
<p>Don’t think for a second though that schools don’t consider your extracurriculars. They do. Take time to explain the situation and really sell yourself to the admissions committee =)</p>