how can i make my ECs and activities more meaningful / competitive

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi!

I was just wondering (like the title says) how can I make my activities more meaningful / competitive?

I’m very busy right now and literally most of my time is either spent of school work or ECs, but I don’t really feel like what I do is all that competitive; I’m spending a huge amount of time on my activities, but I’m not even doing anything impactful. I feel like if I put so much effort into something, it needs to at least be worth something. So, I just wanted to ask: do y’all have any tips that would take my ECs a step further (so that my activities aren’t shallow)?

For reference, this is what I’m involved in:
Band (I am in top band and in an out of school orchestra, but that’s really nothing noteworthy)
Science Honor Society (I’m an officer)
National Honor Society (I’m an officer)
Volleyball

Like for an example, for SHS and NHS, do y’all know of any ways to start meaningful volunteer opportunities? Right now, all I’m able to do is organize small volunteer opportunities like tutoring students at our school.

Also, it’s just that I’m involved in so much, but I don’t have any awards or accomplishments that could set me apart from other peers. Anyone know of anything I could apply for or try doing?

Sorry this is kind of broad!
TL;DR I need a way to make my ECs stand out :slight_smile:

2

For NHS and Science, tutoring is great! Can you increase the number of tutors and tutees? Can you reach out to underserved populations? Can you work with teachers to refer students? It’s all about how you can make an impact.

3

Everyone in NHS at our high school is required to organize some type of event (invididually or in small groups) that helps others besides themselves. Some things done in the past :smile:

  • organize a movie night charging a small admission fee for charity
  • volunteering at a local nursing home/assisting living
  • setting up a multicultural festival with speakers, music, crafts, dances
  • tutoring at a local homeless program
  • setting up a math/science experiment night for middle schoolers
  • study and do a presentation on why x topic is good/bad such as go to school board and suggest paper straws,

for volleyball - can you help coach/teach younger players maybe off season?

4

What tier of colleges?

5

@momtogirls2 Those are some good ideas! I really like the movie night idea! I’m going to try to do that.

Also, right now, I’m trying to talk to my coach about opportunities to coach within my club, so we’ll see how that goes :slight_smile:

Thanks!

6

@lookingforward Ultimately, my goal is to go to USNA!

7

Is there a JROTC at ur high school?

8

@avgsopho1223 yes !