ECs for PEA, PA, SPS, etc.

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

Hi CC!!!
I’m applying to Andover, Exeter, St.Pauls, etc. and I’m not sure that my ECs are good enough for those schools:

  1. Viola-
    Accepted into Region Orchestra two times
    Solo and Ensemble:
    -2 solos
    -2 ensembles
    “Outstanding soloist” in district
    Symphony Orchestra Member
    “Outstanding Musician” in middle school orchestra
    Play holiday songs at elementary schools
    First Chair and Associate Principal of Orchestras

Orchestra won a National Commended Mark of Excellence that I was part of? Should I put that?

  1. Community Service-
    City Volunteer Program
    City Orchestra Volunteer
    County Teen Court Volunteer (10 hours)
    National Junior Honor Society (20 hours)

Committee chair for an appreciation event for teachers

Volunteered 40+ hours in total

I also make my study guides for tests that a lot of people in my schools and other schools in the district use on tests. Not sure if I should put this?

  1. Swimming-
    Swim on Competitive team
    Lead Breastroker on team
    Region Seventh Place in 100 Free

  2. Art-
    Art displayed at District Art Show
    “High Artistic Achievement” from District
    PTA Reflections (Two-time)

NOTE: I am an Asian girl.
I’m worried that an “Asian girl who plays viola, draws, and swims” doesn’t really sets me apart from other similar candidates.

Please give honest opinions, thanks!!

2

Orchestras need musicians of your caliber. Any way to write or call the Orchestra directors or have your teacher do it and find out who needs a first chair viola?

3

Your extracurriculars look on par to me. I am a lower here at Exeter, and they seem a lot like the extracurricular a lot of my peers participated in before and during their time here. Don’t worry about not being set apart from the other applicants- you definitely participate in more community service/volunteer groups than other students I know while applying. Good luck!

4

Thank you! @preppedparent @AnExonian

5

If you plan to swim at school, you should know that St. Paul’s School does not have a team.