How Competitive do my EC's need to be?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm going to be a junior in the fall, but I'm a little worried about my future college desirability. At this rate, the only noticeable extracurriculars I'll have will be:</p>

<p>National Honors Society
Beta Club
Spanish Honors Society
Student Council
Volleyball
Around 50+ Community Service Hours (I'll shoot for at least 75-100+)</p>

<p>It's not that I don't do much, but compared to the things that other people do on this site, I just don't think I have a very good chance at high class universities (Let's say Emory, Rice, or Duke material). I feel like colleges will give me some leeway, because I'm from a low-income family and I'm African American, but I don't want to seem like I haven't applied myself like others have. Am I in a good position? What other things can I do to boost myself up?</p>

2

<p>The most important factor will be your transcript and test scores. They trump all these ECs unless you’re a recruitable VB player.</p>

3

<p>ECs are what makes somebody stand out (along with essays and recommendations) once you have good number (because let’s face it top schools see a lot of people with great stats). Your ECs feel a bit average, there is nothing wrong with them nor is there anything spectacular about them.</p>

4

<p>The question about impressive ECs comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with several posts by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges. The post is at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>As you will see from that link, at the most selective colleges they are looking for depth more than just participation. Stanford, for example, says

</p>

<p>2 very interesting articles about ECs that stand out and how to get them (same author, different examples) are at [How</a> to Be Impressive](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/05/28/the-art-of-activity-innovation-how-to-be-impressive-without-an-impressive-amount-of-work/]How”>The Art of Activity Innovation: How to Be Impressive Without an Impressive Amount of Work - Cal Newport) and [Save</a> This Grind?](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/09/12/case-study-how-could-we-save-this-ridiculously-overloaded-grind/]Save”>Case Study: How Could We Save This Ridiculously Overloaded Grind? - Cal Newport) While I don’t agree with everything in them, take a look at these 2 articles and I think you’ll get some original ideas.</p>

5

<p>Most in your list are “Honors” not EC’s.
Can you join some clubs at your school this Fall. Volleyball is seasonal so you should have time.</p>

6

<p>All I’ve done is piano, getting high marks in low level competitions, been on my newspaper (it’s pretty good, but still), and volunteered at church. I got into Northwestern. Your EC’s, as long as you’re dedicated and passionate, are good enough.</p>

7

<p>Make sure you take your clubs and interest to a new level, show how you are passionate about these things go beyond what is expected.</p>