<p>Hello CC. I am only a tenth grader, but I would like to start thinking ahead so as to not feel regret 2 years from now. I am currently living internationally (Dubai) and attending a tough school. I have a solid average (All my life a 4.0 GPA) and it probably won't be difficult maintaining that. I have already started preparing for my SAT/ACT exam and I plan on doing well.</p>
<p>With that aside, my only problem is my ECs. Despite my "so far so good" academic record, my ECs are miserable. I have little within my school which I wouldn't even count on and I'm not too much into sports. I know top universities are looking for well-rounded students, and I want to be that. Anybody has any ideas what I can do to make up for the lack of sports/hobbies which cant be changed now? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>If you are only in 10th. Grade then you have 2-1/2 years to get involved in something in your community and acquire skills in something you are interested in.</p>
<p>ECs are important in relation to your ambition. The more elite the school, the more your ECs have to have at least one indication of your leadership and creativity potential. Where are your ambitions set?</p>
<p>Secondly, have you and your parents talked about your ability to pay for college in the US? have you run the net price calculators? It’s never too soon to talk about what you can afford to spend on college.</p>
<p>Get your hands on a copy of Cal Newport’s book “How to be a High School Superstar”. It talks about how to think about ECs, and might jump start some ideas for you.</p>
<p>As for affording universities, that won’t be a problem. We aren’t the richest around, but he’s willing to pay for me. </p>
<p>Also, I’m thinking of volunteer work at an autism center/hospital. I’m not sure though. Are sports/musical talents crucial? </p>
<p>And I’ll definitely check out that book today.</p>