<p>It is obvious that in India most schools do not offer as many extracurricular activities as the American colleges expect us to have. So naturally, I am a little worried about my current activities. I would be grateful if someone could just take a look at my extracurricular activities and let me know if they are OK, or if not, how I can improve them....<br>
My current ECs are:
-Dance
-Music
-Versification (school representative)
-Recitation (school representative)
-Science and English Olympiad school topper
- School throwball team
-School volleyball team
-Class leader/ class representative.....</p>
<p>I thought about that but the problem is, our school doesn’t offer any programs like that and there aren’t any places in my neighbourhood where I could apply for an internship…by the way, I am thinking of trying to get into Pomona…so do you think these are enough or should I work on them?</p>
<p>It’s true that Indian schools do not compel you to do volunteer work as part of their curriculum, but it isn’t too hard to find opportunities for it no matter where you are. And if you’ve really done your research and found that there aren’t any organisations/NGOs where you live, you can always create your own opportunities! As for internships, see if you/your parents have contacts within companies. You’ll be amazed at how doors that opens. I agree that none of this is easy, but it’s worth it.</p>
<p>You’ll have to ask someone else about Pomona, because I have no idea about it, sorry.</p>
<p>Actually, my dad runs a school and currently it includes 1st and 2nd grade…I occasionally help out and volunteer for the school and camps for little kids…do you think that counts? And not many of my friends are interested in volunteering or making our own opportunities because they are all focused on entrance and studies ONLY…so I dont have much hope in that area…</p>
<p>There are many places you can volunteer such as working to help the poor. There are many organizations that are looking for volunteers to help out. Volunteering at your dad’s school counts a little bit, but you want to expand on that. Maybe you can teach the students, or something like that. You could also try doing lab research with a professor. BTW, I’m from the US, so I’m not fully sure if these types of programs are available here.</p>
<p>Yes, everything counts. The problem with Indian students applying to college in the US is that our curricula do not emphasize the same things that their colleges look for, meaning that it is quite easy to not mention activities on our applications which we take for granted but are quite important.</p>
<p>I bet it’s quite frustrating that your friends are focussed on very different things from you… it’s hard to be the only one finishing off college essays while your peers are all studying for pre-boards and stuff!</p>
<p>@dividingseep23: Pomona has the level of competition that stanford has… So if you are trying to get into pomona with those extracurriculars (which are not bad) try and get above 2300 for SAT 1 and above 750 for 2 SAT subject tests (they reqire only 2 but if you can try writing more)… But if you want financial aid you would have to strengthen your EC’s a bit more. It is NOT hard I got into 3 things in a month, just do a LOT of research :)</p>
<p>@aspire03 Yeah…i am planning on writing 4 subject tests 3 APs and the PSAT too…and can you give me a few clues on what exactly I should look for? I enjoy biology, chemistry, maths and poetry or reading (alot)…so can you help give me a few ideas on some ECs I should probably try out?</p>
<p>And BTW, I am an Indian but I was born in the US and studied there until 5th grade. I am also an American citizen. Do you think that is an advantage or a disadvantage?</p>
<p>If you’re an American citizen, technically you aren’t Indian. This is a great advantage, as you won’t be classed as an international applicant to most schools; you’ll be put in the US applicant pool.</p>
<p>mapletree7 divingdeep23 is going to be part of the the Indian applicant pool irrespective of her ( majority of students in Pomona are female … correct me if I am wrong) citizenship as she is studying in India and her citizenship will only help with financial aid.</p>
<p>@quiverfox: you are usually right but this time I am going to agree with savemylife.</p>
<p>Regardless of your citizenship, academics are considered based on where you did the majority of your 9-12. You might get an odd break or two but by and large good schools will compare you with your other peers in the situation you have been (By and large i.e. at least till rounds 3 and 4.)</p>
<p>really antialias ? O.o surprising…but I guess you are right in the comparison part, but however, lesser qualified applicants from India get into better universities if they are citizens…I’ve experienced this at my school</p>
<p>I think if you have a green card you are no longer considered an international student. However, the green card needs to be valid (i.e. you need to have visited the US every six months since obtaining the card).</p>
<p>BUT you will still be considered with the Indian pool of applicants. I’m Indian but I completed high school in the Middle East, so I was competing with the students here and not students living in India.</p>
<p>Having US residency is a huge advantage when it comes to fees because 1) you will pay the same fees as local students, which is less than what international students pay; 2) you will be eligible for federal financial aid.</p>
<p>I don’t know if being a resident will help you when you apply. If quiverfox is right, it gives you an edge, but I don’t know anybody like that so I can’t say.</p>
<p>@quiverfox: I think the initial comparison(s) is (are) academic and like khione mentions with peers you are with. Assuming 2 students both of whom make the cut off, for the final offer, non-need blind schools (i.e. need savvy) are going to look at who is likely to accept the offer – a non-citizen who needs financial aid, a citizen who doesn’t need financial aid, and a non-citizen who does not need financial aid. Does the scenario you describe at your school have these data points?</p>