<p>Hi everyone, I have a question that I cannot seem to find the answer to. Before I ask my question, I just want to say that I am a freshman and I really want to go to college in NYC (specifically Columbia). I love to write and draw, play music, and I really do love etymology and language. I already have some HS credited classes under my belt from my junior high years, such as Algebra I, Geometry, Spanish I & II, Integrated (freshman) Science, 2-D Design, and Engineering. I really don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but I think I would want it to have something to do with writing, art, and fashion.</p>
<p>Now that you are enlightened on some information about me, I have a question: what kind of ECs should I do? I cannot find some that I want to do for the life of me. Something that includes my interest above would really intrigue me, but I don't know what to do. I'm too young for most working and volunteering activities, and I am tired of sitting at home and being bored. Plus, I want to find something that I really enjoy so I can have a sort of basis when I start to apply to college.</p>
<p>I don't know if this sounds weird because I'm only a freshman, but I really enjoy having plans and making them. I would appreciate any help that you could give me. Thanks!</p>
<p>P.S. I think it's worth mentioning that I am doing online school. I really dislike it (I am trying it for a year), and I am in the process of looking for a different school to go to for next year. </p>
<p>I’m not sure how much money you or your parents have or if your fellow freshmen have even started trying to raise money for senior activities, but it might be worthwhile to try and start your own business(make sure you contact an econ teacher or ask if your parents know anyone that has a firm grasp on economics before doing this) selling some clothing designs(or whatever it is that you like designing) or making designs and selling them in your school to fund raise for your class.</p>
<p>I’m assuming that you plan on switching to a real(excuse my lack of a better word) school next year, so I’d hold tight this year and during your sophomore year you can explore the various ECs that your school has to offer. It is a good idea to have some hobby or activity that relates to what you plan on majoring in, but overall it’s just best to join clubs that you enjoy being in.</p>
<p>It’s okay to like planning, but make sure you acknowledge that things won’t always go according to plan. That could be for better or for worse. You’ll encounter opportunities that you didn’t think you’d have.</p>
<p>Anyhow, I think it’ll be easier for you to participate in extra curricular activities when you go to a physical school. I know that there are clubs through some virtual high schools, but I doubt it would be the same experience. Were you planning to find activities outside of school to participate in? I can give some ideas.</p>
<ul>
<li>Odyssey of the Mind <a href=“http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/”>http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/</a> You would have to start next year though.</li>
<li>Team for a non-profit organization (Relay for Life, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, etc.) to raise funds.</li>
<li>Youth group/club for a common interest.</li>
</ul>
<p>I wrote a response to this earlier but I suppose it didn’t go through!</p>
<p>So what I would suggest doing is to see if an independent organization or higher education establishment has after school or weekend art classes or something of that sort to get involved with now. You seem to be interested in the arts and fashion, and it may be a good idea to look into something like that!</p>
<p>I have a different situation than you because I live in the New York metropolitan area, but to just give an example of such a program is the offerings of the Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) pre-college programs in the arts as well as more business like courses that have to do with the fashion industry. I’m able to go there on the weekends and learn about a variety of skills, such as sewing, screen printing, fashion journalism, and darkroom photography. A program similar to this may be found at your local community college or at something that’s like an arts center.</p>
<p>Also, this goes outside of the question you’ve posed here (and I don’t even know if I’m allows to do this- sorry if I’m not!) but, why Columbia? You seem to want to go into a field that has to do with more of a creative profession, and there are various other schools in NYC that would cater to that a little bit more. For example (just because I know this), FIT has amazing internship opportunities ranging from magazines to working with designers. </p>
<p>That’s just some input from a fellow high schooler! Feel free to inquire a bit more if you’d like!</p>
<p>thank you guys for your input! @t11518, I chose Columbia because despite my creative angle, I really want a school that will challenge me academically. I would have opted NYU, but I really would like to have a real college-campus experience (if that makes sense). You are really lucky to have resources like that available to you. I’m trying to look into photography classes right now.</p>
<p>@awakeningvenus, I do plan on doing stuff outside of school. Ideas would be great! And you’re right; I’ll probably wait to do school-sanctioned ECs when I get into a physical school.</p>
<p>@QuadMaster, I think I’ll take your idea on a tangent - rather than starting a business, I would really like to start a helpful/community-serving group. Given that I have no idea whatsoever what I want it to be about, It’ll take some time haha. I agree; I should be in clubs that I really enjoy.</p>
<p>@dglover
I do understand what you mean! (That’s a reason why I would choose Columbia over NYU, as well, though they’re not really schools I’m looking into.) I mean this is obviously a while away, but make sure you check into internship opportunities of Columbia in the fields that you’re interested in!</p>
<p>You also may want to look into summer programs at Columbia as well if it’s your number one school. My friend went last summer for computer science and she said it was amazing! That way you can make 100% sure you’re alright with their dorms!</p>
Feel free to inquire a bit more if you’d like!</p>