EC's??what is it?

[peace_world_7]

<p>First of all, I wanted to verify, EC stands for extracurricular activities right??</p>

<p>anyway, I moved pretty much every year in my life. so, I've already been to 3 different high schools. I am a junior now, and there is a chance that I'll move again...which means by the time I graduate, I will have attended 4 different high schools (4different cities, 3state, 2country). My point is that it is like "freshman" year for me every year...every year, I have to get used to the new systems, rules, etc. I missed a lot of opportunity to get involved in national competitions, state competitions, etc. I can never get a position in student council (except when I was a freshman) because I move every year, no one knows me. Same with clubs, it is hard to get a officer position because no one knows me....this is hard!! </p>

<p>I want to go to Harvard. Its my dream. But the thing is that I have never won anything (competitions, etc). I do have general subject awards, honor roll, etc but those are not extracurricular stuff. I think I am a talented student, but I'm not a genius.</p>

<p>and, I know this is weird but what exactly is considered extracurricular activities? does this involve things you did only in high school, or being in a club outside school also count? like say, internship, or any summer programs at a university, or when I visited a high school in Japan during my fall break last year to learn the differences in American high school and Japanese high school? and are the things you did only during your high school years count?</p>

<p>here is a list of things I did which I think counts as extracurricular activities.</p>

<p>HOPE (medical) club
Math team
Math club (President)
Environmental Club
Asian Pacific Islander Society Club (President)
International Club (Vice-President)
Junior Social Convener (Student Council position)
Badminton Club
Tutoring Club-tutored people
JV Badminton
Nordic Skiing (I got a most improved skier award for this)
Freshman Volleyball
JV Volleyball
JV Tennis
NHS (next year)
volunteer at a Hospital
volunteered at a Queen E store (in middle school)
organizer/helper of the athletics award ceremony
helped out (volunteered) at a Japanese Saturday school</p>

<p>community service--I want to complete at least 300 hours by the time I graduate. (I have 200 so far)</p>

<p>what do you think? Please give me your opinion about what I should do. what can I do better to improve? I know my EC is pretty weak.
Appreciate your help!</p>

[Mary.loves.you]

<p>All of those are considered extracurricular activities. </p>

<p>Here's my opinion:
You can use the fact that you've moved in one of two ways.
1) Use it as an excuse (ex. "I would have joined more clubs, but... "),
2) Use it as an obstacle that you have overcome (ex. "Despite the difficulties that come with moving to a new place every year, I tried to get involved in the communities at each school I attended, even if for only a short period of time.").</p>

<p>To me, the second option is definitely preferable. So what can you do? Get involved, even if it's a short-term thing. I've lived in 6 places (3 countries) in my life, so I've definitely been new. It's a hard situation, but try to use the goal of getting into your dream school as motivation to get involved.</p>

<p>Remember, colleges want to see commitment, not a laundry list of activities... that's tougher to do in your situation, but just join a few clubs/organizations/sports that you enjoy and dedicate yourself to them (as opposed to joining 15 clubs and just going to the meetings). </p>

<p>Colleges won't expect you to have any leadership positions, but if you can get one/some, it'll be a huge plus- someone who can come in new and quickly earn the respect of others will be a great asset to their school. </p>

<p>Besides ECs, you can talk about your unique situation in your essay(s). Remember to show what you've overcome... avoid excuses and whining! Good luck with your college search, and all future endeavors.</p>