<p>For Boys/Girls nation, you go to girls/boys state first. Then you have to get elected to move on to nation. Each state sends two senators out of the tons of girls there.</p>
<p>It's also possible to do orginal research in history. </p>
<p>And it's possible (but very difficult) to become published. </p>
<p>You could also start a club related to your interest.</p>
<p>many local governments have lots of internship/volunteer programs</p>
<p>SF has a very strong system, its a matter of finding it</p>
<p>My D worked at CIty hall all summer last year</p>
<p>What city are you in??</p>
<p>I was definitely a social sciences/humanities applicant. Here are things I found that helped (I didn't do all of them myself, of course):</p>
<p>1.) Journalism: Tangible ECs/awards would of course be writing for a local paper (a GOOD one, and not just for the teen page), editorial or journalism awards, Editor-in-Chief of the school paper, etc.</p>
<p>2.) Forensics Speech & Debate: This is an EXCELLENT way to receive recognition. There are local, regional, and national-level tournaments (many of each) in which you can win awards. (Note that you do have to be, well, good... but I'm assuming you know that, because RSI/Intel/Siemens/NIH/USAMO/etc aren't exactly freebies either.)</p>
<p>3.) Model UN: I personally only competed once and hated it, but don't let that discourage you because I'm weird and most people who do Model UN find it's very rewarding. It also provides a lot of awards, and best of all, it's often more about effort and knowledge than about speaking skill (which can frustrate a lot of competitors in Forensics).</p>
<p>4.) Essay Contests: Wow, I can't emphasize this enough. Register on FastWeb right away, consult your school Guidance and Gifted Education departments, and you'll find dozens of national essay contests as well as a few local ones for your area. (I won one of these, and I'm almost sure that's what got me into college. I never thought I had a chance... you really never know.)</p>
<p>5.) Volunteering: If you believe in a cause, agitate or raise awareness or organize fundraisers... build something, do something... if it's art history, volunteer at a museum. Impress the curator, and you may get an amazing recommendation (an "internship" as a student curator wouldn't hurt, either!)</p>
<p>6.) Programs: Telluride Association Summer Program is extremely prestigious and has a great record for getting grads into top colleges. (It's also free... and harder to get into than Harvard. I swear. I was rejected in the first round.) For a "safety," consider your state's Governor's Colleges/Schools... I attended one for International Studies. These also tend to be free, and in general they're also quite competitive and are a "solid" EC on your application.</p>
<p>i would say national history is a good one</p>
<p>citygirlsmom - I'm in suburban Cleveland. I don't know if that helps any. We're not big on politics over here.</p>
<p>I'm in a suburb of NYC. about 45 min away.<br>
This makes everything even worse b/c it seems like I have access to all these resources in the city, while I actually don't because my mom works from 2PM to 11PM on weekdays, and my dad, when he is here, works anywher from 10AM to 4AM, and nearly half the year he is away on business. After school, I always have to be home because of my younger brother: I have to watch him, check his homework, and make dinner for him, every weekday. This prevents my ability to even work on weekdays, though I can go to clubs and stuff b/c my school ends at 2PM and his at 3PM. Even during the summer, it is extremely hard for me to get a ride anywhere, and I won't get my driver's license until the end of junior year (I turn 16 next Oct)</p>
<p>If you can't find an EC lying around make your own. I'm interested in business and tech so I started a online import/export/trade business trading and exporting computer parts wholesale/retail. </p>
<p>Not sure if there are age limits, but if you're interested in political science/government maybe look into starting a PAC and raising money and organizing rallies for a candidate or cause. That'd show a major commitment and leadership abilities.</p>
<p>Non math/science competitions and scholarship contests may not be as prevalent, but you're a smart cookie and obviously have the internet. There's a lot you can do with these two things to start things up that really do look impressive. Just think about what you love and are interested in - then do it. Don't just try to find something impressive for college, do it out of genuine interest and it will look that much better.</p>