Extracurricular Recommendations?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi,
I'm a rising Junior in high school. I know half the summer is already over, but could you guys help me come up with some summer activities (jobs, volunteer work, research project) I could at least start on? So far this summer, I haven't been doing too much. I've been studying a bit for the SAT's, and getting a head start on Calc BC though Khan Academy. </p>

<p>My classes for next year are:
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus BC
AP US
Latin III Honors
Physics Honors
AP English
Biotechnology</p>

<p>I'm particularly interested in mathematics and chemistry. Also, I'm in the local youth philharmonic orchestra.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>It looks as if music is already your EC. If you love it, continue to find ways to pursue it. As for this summer, just get a summer job. Good life experience and some extra gas money.</p>

3

<p>Keep in mind that out of the 3,000 or so 4-year colleges in the US EC’s are important for admission at only a small fraction. Perhaps the most selective 100 or so. Many students worry needlessly about EC’s.</p>

<p>The question about impressive EC’s comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with several posts by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges. The post is at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>As you will see from that link, at the most selective colleges they are looking for depth more than just participation. Stanford, for example, says

</p>

<p>2 very interesting articles about ECs that stand out and how to get them (same author, different examples) are at [How</a> to Be Impressive](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/05/28/the-art-of-activity-innovation-how-to-be-impressive-without-an-impressive-amount-of-work/]How”>The Art of Activity Innovation: How to Be Impressive Without an Impressive Amount of Work - Cal Newport) and [Save</a> This Grind?](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/09/12/case-study-how-could-we-save-this-ridiculously-overloaded-grind/]Save”>Case Study: How Could We Save This Ridiculously Overloaded Grind? - Cal Newport) I don’t buy into his underlying explanation of why they are impressive, but take a look at these 2 articles and I think you’ll get some original ideas.</p>

4

<p>The only ECs worth doing are the ones that you WANT to do! You can’t predict what some adcom will be looking for at a highly selective U - nobody can. So do what you want to do.</p>

5

<p>You could volunteer at a charity, library, or hospital. You could take an AP class online in a subject that interests you, which would boost your GPA. You could also find a summer internship at your nearest college.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the replies! I know that I should only be doing extracurriculars that I am interested in, and I know my interests. However, I am looking for possible activities/volunteer work suggestions, given the interests I have stated.</p>

7

<p>If you don’t do anything amazing this summer, all hope is not lost! Do something next summer if you can. Does your orchestra meet during the summer? If it does, that counts as a summer activity. Do you practice your instrument regularly? That also takes up time. If you really want to be more active this summer, look for a place to volunteer like a nursing home. Otherwise, don’t stress. I think many people stress too much (me included) about trying to impress colleges. Most people won’t have a flawless application. If your flaw is that you didn’t do much during one summer, it isn’t the biggest deal ever.</p>

<p>I’m a rising senior. My summer activities over the past three years have included music activities (festivals, a little bit of teaching, practicing instruments), taking classes, and being involved in my church. I’ve enjoyed all of these activities, so they didn’t seem like work to me. Look at the things you love to do, and then do a little research on the internet to find out activities surrounding those interests in your community.</p>

8

<p>Alright thanks for the advice guys!</p>