<p>Hello...I'm a sophomore in high school and I know it's probably a bit too early to be worrying about college, but I just wanted to ask a question...</p>
<p>How important are EC's in the admissions process?
I mean, I am heavily involved in band and jazz band with extensive leadership in both and I am in a few clubs and I started a club of my own too! I don't think any other part of my app will be a problem (i.e. GPA, stats, rigor of app, essays, or recs...I'm just worried about EC's)</p>
<p>The reason I don't have amazing EC's is because I have a job and I volunteer a lot...</p>
<p>I'm thinking of applying to Yale, Harvard, U of Chicago, NYU, Columbia, Michigan, Iowa, and maybe Princeton...</p>
<p>I just thought that I should ask now before I run out of time...I mean, if there is a problem, I still have time to fix it...</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Well a job and community service are both technically extra-curricular.</p>
<p>But leadership positions are important. If you've started a club, are involved with leadership in two musical groups, and are in a few others...you're probably safe. Just stay in most of them throughout highschool (unless they become really bad or something), since commitment looks good.</p>
<p>Thanks...but I have seen kids profiles and they have, like, cured cancer or done all kinds of crazy, incredible things...I just feel out of the loop since in Nebraska, there aren't a lot of opportunities to do things like that...</p>
<p>But I'm aiming for top tier schools, and they get kids with outstanding ec's...do you think that I will appear too ordinary?</p>
<p>Well, you're from Nebraska. That's already a major factor. :P</p>
<p>Haha, no kids have cured cancer. There are a few kids who are nationally ranked in things, but you don't have to be SuperStudent to get into an amazing college. Do what you like, and do it well, and you'll be okay. :]</p>
<p>Involve yourself in clubs and get leadership positions. Try to distinguish yourself on the county, state, or even national level, if you can.</p>
<p>Also:</p>
<p>"I just feel out of the loop since in Nebraska, there aren't a lot of opportunities to do things like that..."</p>
<p>I feel the same. I live in a little town in Southern California, and there is very little opportunity here. Thus, I've tried to make opportunity, which hopefully distinguishes me in adcoms' eyes. So that's another thing: if there isn't much opportunity, then make it -- starting clubs or events or magazines, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks guys!
I've started my own club so I hope that will help.</p>
<p>Again, thanks for all the positive feedback!</p>
<p>OP:</p>
<p>Every admissions officer at every selective school I have talked to has said almost exactly the same thing: "Find some things you love to do and do them well."</p>
<p>No one is going to expect you to have worked on a Nobel Prize-winning research team if you're from Salt Lick, Nebraska. Just find activities you love and really DO them instead of just hanging around.</p>