Extracurriculars for Ivies or Top Schools?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a sophomore and this is my first thread so let me know if I'm doing something wrong or you need any more information. I know that many people will say that I still have time left and that this is too early but if I get feedback now, then I can do better for the next two years. I think I'm solid enough in the academic department, but when it comes to extracurriculars, I can't tell if I'm all over the place. I've already read many of the posts concerning extracurriculars, but I was wondering if I could be chanced based on my particular ones. I'll list my activities along with the years I've been doing them and I expect to continue these for the rest of high school.</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities</p>

<p>Student Council (9,10,11, 12)
This year I'm a Senate member which means more responsibilities and next year I will hopefully have a leadership spot</p>

<p>Community Service Club (9, 10, 11, 12)
I will be on the leadership board next year</p>

<p>Class Executive Board (10,11,12)
There are no leadership positions but the board is very small.</p>

<p>Model UN (9,10,11, 12)
I have a shot at a leadership position next year. I have won a few awards and hopefully more next year.</p>

<p>Congressional Debate (10,11,12)
This is my school's first year with Student Congress and I have won a few small awards and will hopefully do better in the following years</p>

<p>Freshman Mentoring Program (10, 11, 12)
I mentor freshmen students every day first semester for half of my lunch period. I hope to be on the leader board next year.</p>

<p>NHS (11,12)
I just got my acceptance letter and although I'll try for a leadership position, I don't think my chances are too high.</p>

<p>Music (9, 10, 11, 12)</p>

<p>I don't do this in school, but I play guitar and sing and I have my own YouTube channel </p>

<p>Tae Kwon Do (9,10,11,12)</p>

<p>I've been doing tae kwon do for a few years and have gotten my black belt.</p>

<p>Work Experience</p>

<p>I work the front desk at my tae kwon do place and I lead classes with younger students.</p>

<p>I'm also trying for an internship this summer with a local congressman</p>

<p>I understand that academics are the other half of the picture, but I'd like to know if the direction I'm headed could possibly include schools like WashU, Northwestern, or Yale.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading!
Let me know if there are any questions!</p>

2

<p>Your ECs are good but it may not be enough for some of the very selective schools such as MIT. Try to participate in math/science contests and eventually International Olympiads. Doing research is also excellent. You can find many more ideas here:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-are-weak-so-what-s-good-p1.html”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-are-weak-so-what-s-good-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Thanks! I’m trying to find research opportunities but I’m not sure how. Do you have any advice for me as to where I can look?</p>

4

<p>You’re welcome. It depends on the amount of knowledge that you currently have. If you excel in some area, try to attend a local community college or university and talk to some professor there. There are also many research programs such as RSI, PRIMES etc. </p>

5

<p>If your academics are very good, you have a good shot at Northwestern and Wash U. Can’t say for sure without GPA and test score info, though. Be sure you show a lot of love (interest) to Wash U, they have a reputation of rejecting students if they think they are an afterthought or safety… Yale is another kettle of fish. You really need to stand out in some way beyond your school activities, IMHO, to even have a shot there. It would be a very high reach (but it is a very high reach for everybody).</p>