ECs are obviously a big factor in college admission, as colleges want to see that you are involved in certain clubs, sports, or passions outside of school. Personally, I don’t have any of those big hooks - the ones commended on a national level, like Science Olympiad, Intel competitions, selective summer programs or internships - but I also don’t really have access to or interest in them. On the other hand, I’m really involved in what my school has to offer club and honor society wise, and that has extended to heavy involvement in my community as well. I take a lot of time and care into the things I dedicate myself to, but would colleges scoff at almost solely local accomplishments, like participating in community volunteer services, winning local contests (on a county level) and initiating certain activities within my school? I love my community and that’s where my passion is, and I don’t want to be faulted or discarded because I don’t have any national level accomplishments that are more highly esteemed.