<p>As the time to apply to colleges approaches, I've been evaluating my strength as an applicant to my top schools (all very competitive). I feel like I'm a strong applicant overall but perhaps lacking in ECs. The thing is, all of the people who I would consider stronger than me EC-wise have a sport that they play, quite commonly tennis...</p>
<p>I, on the other hand, have never participated in any organized sport. However, I have dedicated a very large part of my time over the years to skateboarding. I began back in 6th grade and have continued up to the present. Will this look like a substantial activity, as much as any organized sport, if i put it on my application? Also, is it possible that skateboarding would come off as unique at top-tier schools?</p>
<p>I have one other question about the EC section. One of my primary activities is self-teaching myself mathematics from various books and doing random problems or writing down ideas. Should I put this on my application if it really is one of the activities I spend most time on, or will colleges think I'm some kind of shut-in math wacko (which I'm not...or not completely)? And how could i describe this, particularly on the common application, where there is only a very short line to write on?</p>
<p>Self teaching yourself mathematics is certainly something to put down and particularly with things like engineering schools will indicate that you are the type of person who'd probably be happy in a math-oriented place.</p>
<p>Put down skateboarding, too, but realize that it won't be anything that will make you stand out at probably any schools, but will show an aspect of your character.</p>
<p>For info about how to judge ECs, check the thread pinned at the top of the Chances board. Do keep in mind, however, that ECs only really matter at the most competitive colleges --places like HPYS, etc. because they have such an overabundance of applicants with outstanding stats. Most other colleges give acceptance decisions overwhelmingly on the basis of stats.</p>
<p>While skateboarding is a nice activity, it is not really an EC unless you either do it through an organization, are sponsored, compete, win awards, etc. If you just play around at the skate park, colleges are going to view that more like you just played around at the skate park. Unfortunately, that is the world of college admissions. Also, self teaching yourself mathematics, although I'm not quite sure what you mean by that, really isn't an EC either unless you are in a club, win awards, etc. Those are things, that if you put down, colleges will consider filler. Have you done anything through your school?</p>
<p>halopeno, I have done some things through my school, such as tutoring, hi-q quiz team, and leading the science club. However, I don't think any of my self-teaching has had anything to do directly with the school. Though I have presented math topics at science club meetings, none of this is near the level of my self-studied material so that people can still understand it.</p>
<p>If you spend a substantial amount of time on an activity, you can put it down as an extracurricular. Colleges want to understand you as a person and what you spend a lot of time on tells them about you. I don't think an activity needs to be sponsored or official in some way. My daughter spent a great deal of time self-studying music history, listed it in applications, and had no problems.</p>
<p>The forms will usually ask how much time a week you spend on something and you may be able to explain what you do in more depth. Of course, a particularly important outside interest could be explored in an essay.</p>
<p>Colleges want to hear about things like skateboarding and self studying. ECs don't have to be formal to give adcoms and idea about your personality and interests.</p>
<p>That is true, however, just spending free time skateboarding doesn't show a lot of structure. While it might lend personal insight to an applicant's character, colleges would rather see what you did that had a little more formality to it. I think it wouldn't hurt to put it down, but you're going to need to also list the other school-club stuff as well.</p>