<p>“Every EC that isn’t illegal or video games helps.”</p>
<p>:( video games don’t hurt though do they? I’m asking because video games are VERY important to me and the culture of my household and they are something I’m proud of and want the colleges I’ve applied to to know about.</p>
<p>It depends on how you put in on the essay. Not the ideal thing to talk about. I would say something like how games made me want to be more creative or something. </p>
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<p>Just don’t talk about call of duty… Lol!!</p>
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<p>I honestly can’t think of anything you could say about your involvement with playing off-the-shelf video games that would help your college app. That doesn’t mean it is viewed as a negative. All colleges have lots of students who enjoy them. But, game playing isn’t something that makes a student seem likely to add in a meaningful way to the college community. It’s best left off your app. Your space in the app is quite limited and it’s important to focus on aspects of yourself and your experience that will support a decision to admit you.</p>
<p>When colleges look at your ECs I think they’re looking for two things - commitment and leadership. I don’t think it matters really what the activity is…of course if you play and sport and hope to continue at the college level that’s another thing…but in general, they’re looking to see if you have “passion” for the activities you pursue (as evidenced by longevity) and if you’ve taken the opportunity to assume leadership roles in the activity (captain of a sport, President or Treasurer of a club…etc) I also think it doesn’t hurt if the activity you’re involved in requires skills that translate to academics or character building (ie, debate…hones public speaking and research skills…etc. But there is no such thing as a “negative” EC as long as you are able and prepared to explain why it was important to you.</p>