Do elite colleges such as Ivy League schools ever accept any applicant who does not show excellent EC activities, given that they wrote compelling college app essays? I’m talking about national awards, leadership position of a national or regional organization, internships, etc.?
I spend most of my high school career participating in ECs, but none of it is “impressive.” I am student body president, president of a math club, webmaster for a district organization, lieutenant governor for a service organization… However, I do feel as if my Common App along essay would be strong enough to offset my low EC caliber.
What are your opinions?
Presumably they have, but they are probably “hooked” (e.g. relative of big donor).
there are plenty of great colleges that will happily accept great students with “okay” EC’s.
Be sure to send them your application.
Dont expect or hope for acceptance to the most competitive colleges that receive applications from the best students from both the US and around the world.
But if it happens, rejoice.
If it doesnt., then recognize that it wasnt meant to be.
And move on…
I think you should still apply to these elite colleges but also make sure to apply to schools you are confident would be within your reach. Good luck!
If you don’t apply, you don’t get in. There are always factors you can’t take into account. Are you from South Dakota - they may not have many applicants from your state. Are you from a rural community? They may be on the look-out for someone with an uncommon background. The way to approach it is that you will give it your best shot, expect nothing to happen, and focus on the ‘matches.’ If something comes through, well that’s great but you figured it was like playing the lottery -sometimes you get lucky.
This is assuming you are within range academically. If your grades and test scores make you a long shot and your ECs aren’t exceptional, then you are probably wasting money.
You don’t need national awards. You need “get up and go.” OP only listed titles in some hs activities.
Sometimes,when hs kids get stuck on titles, they miss the picture. Are there ways you’ve taken on other responsibilities and have some sort of impact? Or other activities outside school where you’re part of a group effort? Take a moment to look for that. If you’re thinking pre-med, have you done anything related, for others?
Since this question mentioned elites, they do look for how you pursue ideas, have some impact, can do for others.