Enjoyed high school, but now need advice on my limited ECs

[toolegittoquit]

My ECs:
-babysitter for my younger siblings (9, 10, 11, 12) (15-20 hr/wk)
-math tutor for students with and without learning disabilities (9, 10, 11, 12) (3 hr/wk)
-hospital volunteer (11, 12) (8 hr/wk)
-religious youth group leader (12) (5 hr/wk) - conduct meetings, teach lessons, plan recreational and service projects
-volunteer camp counselor (11, 12) (70 hr/wk, 1 wk/yr)
-club where we spend lunch with the Special Ed students (9, 10)
-school choir (9, 10, 11, 12)
-track and field (9, 10) - won’t be putting this…

I did more service throughout high school (additional 50 hours), especially through my church, but I don’t have a way of describing that effectively.

So, I know for universities like Harvard ECs are pretty darn important. I see a lot of stuff about doing what you love and running with it, which I totally agree with.

Personally, I didn’t really have any sort of high achieving mindset concerning ECs for most of high school. Mostly because I didn’t feel “superior” at something like a lot of my incredible classmates. Yet, looking back, I loved everything I did… I just didn’t start a business or run a charity or do competitions or internships or research. I didn’t go about high school thinking “what would colleges want me to do?” I just lived my life the best I could.

I just don’t know how to present myself to colleges like Harvard where my chances are so slim. I felt my activites were meaningful, but maybe not to admissions.

Based on the small list I made, what order would you rank my ECs and which would you not include? Of course, you can be honest and say I have almost no chance and I’d would agree, but I think I’ll still try

[T26E4]

The reality is at school like Harvard, they’re receiving 1000s of apps of top scholars who also possess top tier ECs. Their job is to sift through these and to try to derive a picture of the underlying student – mostly through essays and LORs (once the academic thresholds are met). Due to space limitations, they have to deny tens of thousands of GREAT students.

My advice for any applicant would be to present the most authentic version of yourself as possible (and not stress about how to game the system – not that that’s what you’re implying) to a broad variety of schools. 95% of H applicants get rejected. Apply assuming that reality and all will be fine. If you’re anywhere near a viable Harvard student, then 99.99% likely, you’ll have a wonderful collegiate career wherever you attend

[gibby]

The reason EC’s are important is because colleges want to see what kind of positive IMPACT you have had in the lives of those around you! So, its NOT about your impressive list of accomplishments, it’s how you have improved the quality of life at your school and in your home. If you listen to what Harvard says about EC’s and write authentically about them in your essays, you’ll be fine: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1420290-chance-threads-please-read-before-posting-one-p1.html

The term “extracurricular activities” covers an enormous amount of ground. We are interested in whatever a student does: in addition to school extracurricular activities and athletics, students can tell us of significant community, employment, or family commitments. There are many who spend a great deal of time helping to run their household, preparing meals and caring for siblings or making money with a part-time job to help the household meet expenses.

Unfortunately many schools have had to curtail or eliminate extracurricular activities and athletics, or they charge fees for participation. In addition, many students cannot afford expensive musical instruments or athletic equipment — or have families without the resources to pay for lessons, summer programs and the transportation networks necessary to support such activities.

Admissions Committees keep these factors in mind as they review applications, and are concerned most of all to know how well students used the resources available to them. Extracurricular activities need not be exotic — most are not — and substance is far more important. A student who has made the most of opportunities day-to-day during secondary school is much more likely to do so during college and beyond. This applies to academic life as well as extracurricular activities.

what order would you rank my ECs and which would you not include?

The Common Application asks you to rank your EC’s in the order of importance to YOU! No poster on College Confidential can do that for you. Again, answer the question honestly and authentically – that’s all you can do!

[toolegittoquit]

Wow, thank you both so much! I think i have a good idea of what to do now

[compmom]

Your EC’s look fine and have some cohesiveness, if you can see that. Taking care of your siblings is worthwhile too, make sure to mention that somehow You are very likable, in your post, and I am sure that will help you too believe it or not. Don’t worry about packaging yourself. You have lived your high school life with authenticity and continue that while you apply. Harvard is a great school and you have a shot at it, but of course make sure there are other schools you love (Colleges that Change Lives website is helpful). Good luck!

[toolegittoquit]

@compmom You are incredibly sweet and just made my whole day. I don’t have my heart set on a particular college, so I’m playing a lot of this whole process by ear. I just want to do my best, take opportunities as they come, and see where life takes me. It’s very exciting! But I think I tend to overthink sometimes…and then I end up on CC. Thanks for your comment and encouragement!!

[compmom]

Your EC’s hang together naturally and really give a sense of who you are. You are going to do fine no matter where you land. Just be yourself! Good luck!