I have some ECs that I’ve done through high school, but I’ve only done most for 1-2 years. The ones that I’ve won awards in were DECA and Science Olympiad. DECA (one award here) being 9-10 (didn’t do much during 10) and SO (four awards here) during 11 (I will continue next year as a VP). I suffered a depression my sophomore year, and I decided to start over all of my outside work. I kept volunteering, but I was just too “down” (for lack of a better word) to really try anything new. I did run track, but I suffered a knee injury and had some respiratory problems in freshman year, and I’ve been too out of shape and focused on school to rejoin. My point is, besides volunteer work, I’ve only done the majority of my ECs for 1-2 years. However, I have won numerous awards for Chemistry related things in my junior year (I think I have like 5), but I was only became interested in chemistry like halfway through first semester, my friend was the one that had to kinda kick me in the butt so I could start competing. How badly will this impact my college apps?
I’m sorry, how badly will what impact your college apps? and of course that answer would vary depending on the colleges you are applying to.
Please take some of the pressure off yourself. The bulk of colleges solely want students based on GPA/transcript and test scores. Admittedly, some of the more selective colleges want the whole enchilada but you don’t have to feel beholden to them. Focus on what interests you, your studies and ENJOY your HS life. You don’t have to get into the “top school” rat race to be enormously fulfilled and happy in your life.
Why do you think what you just described will adversely affect your college apps?
You lived your life, you are smart, did some stuff and found some success. What is there to worry about?
You are making the huge mistake of focusing on competing for college instead of focusing on figuring out who you want to be, how to become that person, how to be happy and living your life. You need to figure out what makes you happy. You need to make this your top priority.
Achieve if you want to, but do it because you want to not because you fear failure.
Perfection is the enemy of the good. It’s the enemy of the happy.
You will apply to college. You have a record. It is what it is. You are you. You did your best.
IT IS FINE BY DEFINITION
You will find a set of schools that you like with a range of probabilities of admissions including 2 safeties. Any of these are a potential road on your path to becoming the resilient person who you want to be.
You will get accepted to at least 2 schools, may get denied or waitlisted to some, and then YOU will choose from among the ones you’ve been accepted to. You will then attend college, meet new people, have new experiences, maybe fall in love, maybe learn a few things, all while trying to learn how to be happy and productive.
Figure out what makes you happy and BE HAPPY!