<p>What do I do if I'm not involved in a ton of ECs now, but want to join more in college? I live in a suburban community where the only real opportunities to get involved are school-run clubs (and obviously anything national). Will this hurt me in admissions, and how do I tell colleges that I'd like to do more activities but don't really like a lot of the stuff at my school?</p>
<p>Most colleges don’t factor ECs into admission. The colleges that do factor ECs into admission – places like HPYS that have such an overabundance of high stat applicants that the colleges can pick and choose from among those applicants to create an active, diverse campus – expect that students who don’t have many ECs in their community will demonstrate the leadership and independence to create opportunities for themselves to pursue their interests.</p>
<p>So you’re saying I should create clubs, activities, etc. ?</p>
<p>I would encourage you to start clubs or organizations in your community. They dont have to be clubs, but like start a clean up crew or something similar. </p>
<p>But I’m sure a college wouldnt like it if you use an “excuse” to get out of doing many ECs.</p>
<p>I dont mean to call it an excuse, but that’s what a college would look at it as…start something!</p>
<p>ECs are very important to the application process, and rollercoasters is right. If there aren’t many, consider starting one. Colleges don’t want someone who makes excuses, they want someone who actively improves their situation and opens up opportunities for themselves and others. But again, it matters less if you aren’t applying to very competitive schools.</p>
<p>If your school and community don’t have activities that interest you, then start an activity that does interest you. Don’t expect starting an activity to be easy. There always are challenges – including red tape – and that’s how you learn to lead. </p>
<p>The relatively few colleges that care about ECs don’t accept excuses like, “My community didn’t have activities” for not participating in ECs. </p>
<p>Oh – volunteer work, working a paid job, and doing things with your church such as leading Sunday school classes – all are as impressive to colleges as are ECs connected with schools and communities.</p>
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Luckily I do those already.</p>
<p>Thanks for the insight everyone.</p>