<p>Lots of stuff on this thread is unique and cool! I am inspired by reading about so many different undertakings, but it does make me sad that most college admission committees will never see much of the real person behind the grades, test scores, and standard EC’s. </p>
<p>Sure, essays can help paint a broader picture, but the typical application space and format is not conducive to revealing some of the most intriguing aspects of many lives.</p>
<p>So I suggest that, if you plan to submit a r</p>
<p>YES! That’s what it’s called!!! I was thinking about that game the other day because I used to play it in Montessori School haha, but couldn’t for the life of me remember the name!</p>
<p>From the time D was 12 years old, she had all her grandparents live in our home. Three of them died in our home, too. So she’s very acquainted with Hospice. D didn’t want any of this in her applications, and I posted about that once on CC because I felt her being a caregiver to g’parents w/ alzheimers, cancer, parkinson’s was important and not “inconsequential.” I think you, Sally R, agreed with me that she should discuss this somewhere in her applications, especially as she had to become independent much earlier than she probably would have (taking responsibility for grocery shopping and cooking at times, doing her own laundry since 12, etc.) and relieving me at times as primary caregiver for a few hours here and there so I might have a break. I had her read Sally R’s response and she finally acquiesced and wrote about these experiences and their impact on her life. </p>
<p>She also danced – not through school but at a studio – for 12 years. Couldn’t get her to write about that, though, as she thought it was silly. In some ways she’s way too serious a young lady. But she’s working on that … :)</p>
<p>Wouldn’t it be something if admissions committees had enough time to personalize acceptance letters and point out aspects of our apps that hooked them? Like “Congratulations on your acceptance to Such-and-Such University! We were particularly impressed by your dedication to hobbies such as whistling and walking on your hands…” Then we could see how much “hidden” ECs matter.</p>
<p>I put reading as one of my hobbies (as well as a footnote saying my favorite books), movies, transcribing songs for classical guitar, and practicing French with native speakers online.</p>
<p>bump ss3948’s question. Would you actually list some of these activities on one of the 12-given slots in the “activities” tab or would you just list them as “extra” things in the additional info. section?</p>
<p>Well, I can crank out a really awesome dolphin call …</p>
<p>And I’m an all-state track star (yes, I didn’t mention that in my apps … don’t ask why); I’m a great cook and was featured on the food network website as “Young Iron Chef in Training.” That was really embarrassing when my school put that on the welcome billboard and shouted me out during morning announcements …</p>
<p>-I taught myself guitar, drums, and I’m learning piano. I actually taught myself to drum on pillows until I got a set, Dave Grohl style :-P</p>
<p>-I write and record music with a little mini-studio I made in my room, haha. I also analyze music I listen to and break it down so I can learn it myself, and also so I can learn production techniques and such. I took a production class at my CC too.</p>
<p>And I can’t really think of others. Most of my time is spent on school/CC classes, work, and music haha.</p>
<p>Since my freshman year of high school, I’ve been a professional (as professional as one can be) Minesweeper player. At the time I applied to college, I was ranked as one of the top 10 players in the country and one of the top 50 in the world.</p>
<p>I didn’t mention this “hobby” anywhere but my Stanford application (I was rejected there).</p>
<p>What about baking? I’m an avid baker (not a cook, haha). I love trying out new recipes, and I’m generally regarded as the most well-known bakers in my school… [1700 people] </p>
<p>Maybe if I started using my talent for bake sales or getting a job, haha :P</p>
<p>I’ve read a lot of teenage fiction books as well as those classics the teachers recommend. And when I was little, after liking an author for like a week, I read all the books by them. Then moved onto a different one. So I’ve read a lot of little kids’ chapter books. Ah-lot.</p>
<p>And I placed second in a national haiku writing competition, and placed second also in a semi-international haiku competition.</p>
<p>I’m already really banking on my two jobs, as a Lifeguard (recruit class of 100 competed for 60 spots) and Emergency Medical Service at the city’s racetrack (I drive the ambulance!)</p>
<p>Also, something I thought was kinda cool and out there, In 9th and 10th grade I was the leader of a world of warcraft guild. It’s lame, but It takes a ton of organization and leadership skills. You have to be able to assess the values of each member of the raid, and teach them dungeon strategy. I think it could look good, any suggestions?</p>