<p>I'm a good student, with a strong GPA (3.96 unweighted), ACT (31 at first attempt), class ranking (like 9?- pure unweighted GPA), and challenging course load (4 APs so far and probably 4 more next year). However, my extra curriculars are lacking.
I go to a pretty big high school, with a graduating class of 600+, in Division 1 athletics. I played freshman soccer and then JV as a sophomore, but didn't have any shot at varsity as a junior, and i started hating soccer anyways, so I just quit. I'm a member of NHS and French Club, and I have a part-time job at a clothing store, but that's about it. The only volunteer work I've really done has been through NHS.
I'm planning on applying to some pretty selective colleges, and I'm afraid that this is going to be what will kill me. Should I load up on stuff next year (as a senior) to better my chances? Or am I worrying to much? Or am I just screwed?</p>
<p>No. Throughout high school you should have been actively pursuing your interests, that you enjoy. I don't think extracurriculars are going to kill you. Colleges try to look at the whole applicant rather than singling out test scores and ec's and everything else. They look at all the info and try to create a picture of who you are and they decide if you'd be a contributor to the school. If you load up on stuff next year, they'll probably know. I suggest that right now you try to find activities that you enjoy doing and then go do them. You don't have to go crazy over leadership positions, just make sure that you really enjoy what you're doing and that you get involved in them.</p>
<p>I'm no expert, but while I wouldn't say you're SCREWED, most "pretty selective" colleges are looking for at least SOME sort of ECs. Not necessarily the laundry list that some people on here seem to have, but dedication to some sort of activity outside of school. </p>
<p>Don't load up on stuff next year. Don't join clubs like mad unless you actually want to be in them. Colleges aren't stupid. They'll know what you're doing. An EC doesn't necessarily have to be a for-school activity. Do you have any hobbies or anything you do with any consistency? If not, I guess just write a really, really, really strong essay.</p>
<p>Anyways, your stats are great, and there are likely plenty of great places that would be glad to have you with an awesome stats/awesome essay combo. But, like I said, the lack of ECs is gonna make some of the most selective places unlikely.</p>
<p>Pick something you can get into that perhaps reflects you past activities or interests in some way. But do not load up on stuff.</p>
<p>Crap. I really wish I thought more about this a long time ago.
I have like zero hobbies/interests.</p>
<p>the princeton review shows on its college overviews admissions critera and a rating of how important it is (very important, important, considered, not considered) to the specific school. For U of Michigan, it has ECs ranked only as considered. do you think this is accurate?</p>
<p>Yes. Here is the common data set for UMich. Look at page 7.</p>