HELP! NO ECs!

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys!</p>

<p>So Im a junior applying to UPenn, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford next year. </p>

<p>I am really worried. </p>

<p>It's not the academic part but the extracurricular activities. You see...</p>

<p>I messed up freshman year badddly because of many reasons. I did horribly academically and (no suprise) did zero extracurriculars. </p>

<p>Sophomore year I changed around and did wonderful academically. I joined one club- my school's political comittee (i love politics with a strong, burning passion).</p>

<p>Unfortunately, the sponsor for the club is not able to do it this year (Junior) and I am left with clubs that I just joined this year that are pretty vague. I like them, but they don't show any passion (I think). They are Student Government, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Newspaper Club. I am also President of my class (750+ kids). I volunteer in the Chamber of Commerce and am a member of a leadership program in my country (only representative from my school). </p>

<p>I am really scared about my ECs because I know they are terrible. I want to major in finance but I know I will somehow end up in politics because they are just calling me like that. </p>

<p>Anyway, I have a true passion for politics and wanted to start a Young Republicans chapter in my school. Unfortunately, I only found one sponsor willing and then there was so much paperwork and responsibilities that that sponsor left. And no club was done. </p>

<p>I would also love to revive the Political Comittee but barely anyone is interested in either joining or sponsoring it. </p>

<p>Furthermore, I am super busy so I know I won't have time for any other clubs. </p>

<p>I will be joining the local Young Republicans Official chapter but it's for 18-40 year olds and I will turn 18 summer before Senior year. Thus, if put as extracurricular, it will only be a few months. </p>

<p>I am really worried about my ECs. Any recommendations? I know the schools Im looking at are top noch, and although I have the academics, I fear they might not be enough to get me in without ECs. </p>

<p>Thank you so much guys!</p>

2

<p>Prez of your class is a pretty big EC...</p>

3

<p>Um you're still a junior and you have some decent stuff to your name. People over exaggerate on CC.</p>

4

<p>^ I agree.</p>

<p>You've still got time to turn things around.</p>

5

<p>president of class and other similar "leadership" positions are mostly just popularity contests.... Doesn't show a lot of dedication and effort</p>

6

<p>Skip reviving the political club at your school...everyone knows those are bogus resume fillers. If you really love politics, start volunteering on campaigns. The next month is a great time to help out on local races and you have 13 months to be involved with a presidential campaign.</p>

7

<p>so on ur apps, would u put down things that you're going to do in senior yr? or do they not count?
also, what if it's concurrent, like you're doing it in the fall as you're applying?</p>

8

<p>I like how you say you are "also President of your class," as if it's a minor EC. That's good! But you should find some more interesting EC's, even if they are outside out school and completely self-directed.</p>

9

<p>Hello! 2008 = presidential election year!!!! Join your favorite candidate's campaign NOW. They always need bodies to distribute pamphlets, make calls, etc. </p>

<p>I did it for a congressman I strongly supported, starting in my Jr year of high school. I still hear from him (and got the greatest wedding present from him!), and a couple times a year we get together with him and his wife. </p>

<p>League of Women Voters, Democratic or Republican committees in your area - or Libertarian, communist - whatever your pleasure - join. Also, consider joining organizations which actually "do battle" for a cause in which you are interested. Pro-Life organizations (and their opposite), homeless shelters, advocates for the mentally handicapped are all "front liners" who need people to help them.</p>

10

<p>can someone answer my question?</p>

11

<p>idk if you can... i think i will, but i'm not sure. i might talk to a counselor about that.</p>

12

<p>what is your question</p>

<p>yes, when comapring two academically equal kids, someting like ECs can make the difference</p>

13

<p>omg guys I had completely forgotten about this post. </p>

<p>I meant "COUNTY" not "country" lol. </p>

<p>I think the political campaign is a great idea, but I have to be 18 to join the Local Young Republicans. I think Im going to ask them if i can volunteer anyway. </p>

<p>Thank you guys!!!!!!!</p>

<p>I think the Politics thing is the best way to go. Im truly passionate about it so I will try and find something to do with it. Aside from that, I love the Stock Market and compete every year, yet aside from that there's nothing so I guess I will just stick to these things. </p>

<p>Yes... I know Im freaking out a year before my actual college app. but I... how can I put it... nvm.</p>

14

<p>best thing to do is find a local cause or campaign- it is easier to get really into something local and on a smaller scale</p>

15

<p>You'll be fine, but for the 4 schools you mentioned...just how badly did you mess up? A C would be really bad even if it is freshmen year.</p>

16

<p>Really bad. Yup Cs and all. It's an "inspirational story" actually (or so I've been told). To put it in short words, I was raised really poor by strong, caring parents. I mean really poor. And throughout my preteenage years, I believed that society in general wanted to put me down, for been poor, for been Hispanic, for been a woman. I saw the stereotypes everywhere- and the many that fell to them around me. </p>

<p>Although my parents always encouraged me to strive for the best, I was convinced that it didn't matter as society would always try to put me down. </p>

<p>Then I met a military sergeant who changed my life. I went from been an "eager drop out" to been one of the top in my class a year later. I went for the toughest courses- took extra during the summer and year long too. I remember ranking somewhere in the 400s out of a class of 750+, to ranking in the 30s one year later. </p>

<p>So that's the story. Put simple.</p>

17

<p>Wait you're Hispanic?</p>

<p>Ah stop worrying then :)</p>

<p>That sounds like a great essay topic btw.</p>