Extra-Curriculars

[Prospector7]

<p>Have you ever heard of anyone getting accepted to Harvard with only a modest number of extra-curriculars and relatively low involvement in all? Considering that the extra-curriculars are probably the most important distinguishing factors among an already academically qualified applicant pool, I just want to survey to what degree the other non-EC requirements (essay, recommendation etc.) hold weight. </p>

<p>So do you know of anyone getting accepted with very weak ECs? Is that even heard of?</p>

[gibby]

<p>

. . . considering that the extra-curriculars are probably the most important distinguishing factors among an already academically qualified applicant pool,

</p>

<p>^^ Not sure where you’re getting your information from, but your teacher recommendations and essays are far more important than your EC’s. Here, listen to what William Fitzsimmons has to say: <a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/harvarddean-part1[/url]”>http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/harvarddean-part1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

"Recommendations from secondary school teachers and counselors are extremely important at Harvard and at many other colleges, particularly those with selective admissions processes. Faced with more academically qualified applicants than places in the freshman class, our admission officers review the two required teacher recommendations and the counselor report with great care, often commenting on them in writing on “reader sheets” in each application.</p>

<p>We often project the recommendations themselves onto large screens so that all members of the Admissions Committee can see them during the subcommittee and full committee review processes in February and March.</p>

<p>Recommendations can help us to see well beyond test scores and grades and other credentials and can illuminate such personal qualities as character and leadership as well as intellectual curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. Along with essays, interviews, and other materials in the application, recommendations can offer evidence of an applicant’s potential to make a significant difference to a college community and beyond."

</p>

<p>So, while EC’s are important, they are not the defining factor over who gets a “fat” envelope.</p>

[Prospector7]

<p>I didn’t say that they were. I just want to know how much really weak ECs will hurt if - let’s say - every other aspect of the application is up to par.</p>

[gibby]

<p>^^ It’s Harvard. They receive over 30,000 applications and only have 1660 beds; admissions can afford to be ultra picky. William Fitzsimmons has been quoted as saying “We are looking for good all-arounds.” Admitted students are just that – they may have one stronger area than others, but successful applicants are not considered to be “weak” in any category, including EC’s.</p>