I want to do STEM but most of my ECs are art/english oriented- self published poetry book, volunteer at art summer camps for kids, awards in art/writing. My school doesn’t have a lot of STEM opportunities, only Mu Alpha Theta (which usually admits people in their junior year) and science honor society (which I have no shot at because you need a bunch of credentials that I don’t have) and one coding club (which never meets). Is this like… a really, really big problem ? I think my academics are pretty solid, and I want to apply to top tier schools for engineering
Greetings, I’m a current Junior that is going for engineering as well so take my response with a grain of salt, I’m basing my advice on my own experiences. 1) You mentioned that your school does not offer many STEM opportunities, my advice is to start a club or organization under the part of STEM you are interested in. I would even say that there is an opportunity to do so. You can do this by co-leading a club with friends or a teacher under the curriculum of choice. 2) I don’t know where you live of course but there is always STEM competitions that run locally. Most STEM activities are competition based, so there are always STEM activities to participate in, me being bias toward science fairs (I just love them). Try searching (city where you live) science fair etc… If you cant find any local competitions, go bigger, as an example the “CREST award” is a “digitally” submitted science fair based in the UK however they allow international applicants (you!). You can do research and projects at home! 3) Finally you mentioned your talent in writing/art/English, tying back to the second point I have here, go out and do some STEM writing competitions! These are great opportunities for people like you who can convey both the arts/English and the sciences. It would seem that you are not a Junior yet so take this time to think (and possibly follow my advice).
Adios good luck
Just remember to keep your ECs focused on the things that interest you. You’ll do STEM the rest of your life if that is your major/career and nurturing a passion for something different now is a basis for hobbies throughout life. I did not do that when I was your age and now I regret it. BTW, engineers and scientists are notoriously bad communicators, so being able to write to communicate effectively will pay huge dividends in the future.
My daughter is an engineering major at a top school and doing very well. When she was home over the holiday break she spent a lot of time relaxing with her art in front of her easel. In HS her ECs were all in art, music, writing and athletics. She did not do a single STEM EC in HS and at her school there were plenty that were available. It didn’t seem to hurt her at all. She just had solid course grades and test scores, and a lot of leadership.