ECs? ACK!

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I was wondering if my ECs would hurt my chances of admission to colleges. I don't have a mega-list like some people on here. </p>

<p>President of Environmental club 9-12
Math club (hopefully captain next year) 9-12
NHS 10-12
Varsity Tennis (3rd singles/2nd doubles) 9-12
Hospital volunteer (~300 hours) 9-12
I also work about 16 hours a week.</p>

<p>I've started to feel really self-conscious compared to some of the people on here and their boatload of ECs. Console me, or tear it apart.</p>

2

<p>I think you should be fine. The working 16 hours a week helps a lot. You probably don't have time to do much more. Yeah, I think your ECs are fine.</p>

3

<p>Even for more selective schools? Like Tufts, or NYU? Or the (gasp) Ivies?</p>

4

<p>You know, I've seen those long lists, and in all honesty, I don't get them.</p>

<p>Most of them are just long list of silly awards, or things people did because they look good for college.</p>

<p>I like your list though, all your activities are 9-12. That looks solid.</p>

5

<p>Those ECs aren't too bad compared to the general pool applying. Don't compare yourself to CCers, those merciless, egomanical nutters.</p>

<p>Anyway, those ECs are pretty good for most schools.</p>

<p>I mean I got into Cal without any zero ECs and zero volunteer hours, and graduated around 40-50th in my class.</p>

<p>So, basically only do ECs you have passion about and write great essays on it cause that'll be much better than laundry lists of stuff that they know you don't care about.</p>

6

<p>Colleges -- including top colleges -- value working as a strong EC. Having a job -- any job -- demonstrates maturity, responsibility and organizational skills, far more than, for instance, holding an office in many school clubs, which often is simply resume dressing. That you could work so much while also holding offices and participating on a varsity team is a strong tribute to your organizational skills. </p>

<p>You might consider writing your essay on your job experience.</p>

7

<p>They look solid, but aren't quite good enough for the more selective schools. This is my humble, unprofressional opinion of course.</p>

8

<p>Thanks so much. This helps a lot!</p>

<p>Can you guys give other suggestions to schools that I should be looking in to (and that I'd have a chance at getting accepted to?)</p>

<p>Some quick stats:</p>

<p>4.15 weighted GPA
2nd in a class of ~300
2160 SAT
Taking the heaviest course load my school offers, and will take 6 APs before I graduate.</p>

<p>I'm thinking about pursuing biology or chemistry in college. Or international relations. And perhaps going pre-med.</p>

<p>Any ideas?</p>

9

<p>I'd say your stats look golden to me.</p>