So I’m a high school student in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia(I’m a foreigner,not a Saudi).I just finished my grade 11 and will be starting grade 12 in September.I’m planning to apply to US and Canadian unis in the fall.I want to apply to some top unis,but I don’t have the extra circular experience these unis ask for.Does anyone know what kind of EC activities or voluntary work I can do here that can get me some EX’s for my application?
Thanks.
Anything you can find that you enjoy and think could help you later on with your career (or could simply be for fun, or to help others).
If you hardly have any ECs at this point, that might count against you because top colleges like to see involvement in your community.
Note that ECs and volunteer activities in no way need to be school-related (in case your school doesn’t offer anything).
It’s a little late to be adding ECs – since you will be applying in a few months. Most schools look for such activities as clubs, sports, academic competitions (olympiads,etc.) volunteering, etc.
That said, if you’re a full-pay student with good grades and stats, many schools will overlook limited ECs. But if you’re shooting for the elite schools (and/or a lot of financial aid) having few ECs will be a disadvantage.