Hi all,
During this period of quarantine I’ve decided I want to look into improving my chances for colleges. Specifically, I need advice on how to improve my extracurriculars. I feel like my grades/course rigor/test scores should be more than good for where I’m applying, but my ECs are the major part of my application holding me back.
-currently 10th grade, so I still have some time to work on this stuff
predicted ECs:
-performing arts (theatre) at school, four years
-black belt karate
-multiple AIME qualifications
-math club, robotics club, video club (president of #1)
-tutoring middle schoolers in math every weekend
PS: my main target school is UCLA. Planning to apply undeclared. I’ve heard they are more gpa/numbers focused, but I want to make sure I have a good chance by having better ECs.
Any ideas or tips welcome. Thanks in advance ?
There are no specific EC’s to get into any school. Do what you love and your commitment and passion will show through to admissions.
All the UC’s consider GPA, test scores, HS course rigor and Personal insight essays very important.
EC’s are important and will set similar students apart but I think consistency, leadership and commitment is more important.
What do you plan to study?
I haven’t really been able to decide what I’m going to study in college at all. Realistically, math or business seems like the ideal balance of fun and practicality.
At the same time, I love things like acting, music, and videography but have no idea a) whether it is worth it to pursue such a degree and b) how to show those interests in my application.
There is no magical list of perfect ec’s. Colleges know there may be some trial and error. They like to see what you are passionate about and how you grow with it. They may look for leadership but that doesn’t simply mean a leadership title. EC’s also don’t need to anything to do with school at all. Colleges don’t care what you do they just want to see what your passionate about not what you think they want you to do.