How do colleges know which ECs you spent a lot of time on and which you don’t? On my resume (not my applications, haven’t really started yet), Speech and Debate, for example occupies one line (as opposed to other things like math/science stuff which have tons of activities/awards/etc.), but I spent a LOT of time on it junior year and will this year. How will colleges know?
<p>Usually on a college application they ask you to list the number of hours a week you spent on the activity and how many weeks of the year beside the activity.</p>
<p>Results, depth, recommendations and creativity also indicate passion. For instance, a student who uses their summer to do unpaid research in a subject that they're interested in shows passion, particularly since such research is not easy to arrange.</p>
<p>A student who takes a class at a local college because the subject isn't offered at their high school demonstrates passion. A student who's teacher recommendation says that the student went far above what was required for a routine research paper demonstrates passion.</p>
<p>It's easy to fake time spent in an activity. It's not easy to fake recommendations, results or to fake having taken an extra class.</p>
<p>In interviews, when asked about their passions, the students light up and talk in depth about their interests. Even shy people will do this because they truly care about their interests. This isn't something that can be faked because those who try to fake it will, for instance, may look enthusiastic but what they say will be very vague. People who are passionate about a subject can tell details about the subject.</p>
<p>I think it helps to show not only what your favorite ec is, and how much time you put into it, but WHY you are so devoted to it. e.g.: "Theatre has been my main commitment for the past four years. I seize every opportunity to explore it. I've been involved in every aspect. I love the ephemeral quality of theatre. It is never the same twice-that's what makes it so beautiful."</p>
<p>Is there anyway to actually write about why and how much you've commited to your passions? Like if you have 2 to 3, you probably won't be able to really explain everything on the essays.. so is it only up to the college then to decide what your passions were?</p>
<p>How much does this "passion" play a role in admissions decisions. Because as of now, I have no passion...</p>
<p>well the way i see it colleges want diversity right(everyone says this actually)... so there going to take some brilliant academic kids.. some research kids.. some sports. some drama.. some music.. etc and create a class makeup.. fitting in one of these or other molds will help secure u a spot if ur stats/academics are decent(remeber for every student that gets accepted that is above average for accepted.. a student gets acecpted that is below average for accepted).</p>
<p>if u exclude ivys and mit/stanford/caltech etc., no passion can still get you into a good school.. passion just enhances your application.</p>
<p>zogoto, colleges can also look for concrete indicators of your "passion" - awards, recognition, promotions, honors, etc. Putting that you spend twenty hours a week on your application is fine, but it will be more believable if your service was recognized by the governor (for example). Some ECs lend themselves to such recognition, like music. Someone who spends a lot of time with an instrument (and is really good), will rack up all sorts of first chairs, local and state competition awards, selection to all-city or all-state ensembles, etc. Other ECs, like community service, may not always lend themselves to obvious recognition. There's not a lot you can do in that case - a reference letter from your supervisor might be one idea.</p>
<p>what about a recognition from a representative of a state legislature? or is it better to have a governor's recognition?</p>
<p>The common application - as well as others, I assume - asks which activity you care most about and why. That way, you don't have to waste your essay on it.</p>
<p>Plus, some schools now ask which of a list of activities you'd like to pursue in colleges (sometimes limited to two or three). If your first activity on your list was debate, your activity essay was on debate, it's the first thing on your resume, and it's the first activity you'd like to pursue in college... that's a pretty strong hint.</p>
<p>Plus, leadership indicates passion, expertise, and respect in the field as well.</p>
<p>Can you write for as long as you want (and I don't mean like an epic, but a few hundred words), on the common application where it asks which activitiy you care most about and why?</p>
<p>". Other ECs, like community service, may not always lend themselves to obvious recognition. "</p>
<p>Sometimes one can get scholarships and other awards for things like community service. If you get such honors, note them on your application.</p>
<p>Many colleges also will let you submit an additional letter of recommendation from someone like a supervisor of an EC like a community service activity.</p>
<p>This is a great idea. Unless the school expressly forbids the submission of supplemental recs, etc., an extra rec of this nature can really help a student stand out. For example, my S's passion is theatre, and he had attended an intensive summer theatre program which included acting and tech in 2 main stage plays, performing for and working with kids at a camp for children with cancer, writing and performing an original children's play, conducting a children's drama workshop, and mentoring other students. He had the Director of this program send a separate letter of recommendation, which detailed all these areas but spoke mainly about my S's personality and character, and I think it definitely helped his app.</p>
<p>blah06, it's better to have the recognition be personal and from someone who really knows the student and the work he/she's doing. As far as awards or routine "form" recogition goes, generally national is better than state, state is better than local, etc. Governors outrank state legislators, as there tend to be only one of the former and a whole bunch of the latter in each state. :)</p>
<p>As an aside, "celebrity" formulaic endorsements don't do much good, and they may do harm. People often exploit contacts to get a recommendation from a political leader or other celebrity who doesn't know the student well, if at all. These usually are evident to the admissions staff because of their blandness and generality. Avoid 'em.</p>
<p>Are awards that highlight acheivements but are themselves pointless worth mentioning? What I mean is, if your church or something recognizes you just for being awesome at academics (nothing comm service or anything, just winning some sci fairs, AMC, etc), and gives some sort of "Outstanding Community Member" or something, is that worth mentioning?</p>
<p>In my case, it is very easy to tell that I am passionate about my favorite EC - band. I've been in band since 6th grade, but I've stuck with it. During high school, I've worked my way up from one of the mid-range trumpet players to the top trumpet player in the band. I've been first chair for the past two years, plus I've been invited to many different honor bands across the state. I have recieved recognition in my school, including awards. I have solos during marching and concert band. Does this show passion? I cannot fake anything like this. So hopefully, if you play up what your EC is, if you have one like this, then it will work most definitely to your advantage.</p>
<p>Yeah, your username shows your passion, too :P.</p>
<p>About the common application - there is a limit of 150 words.</p>
<p>I really wish I had known how important ECs and volunteer work and passion were in college admissions a few years ago, when I still had time to get involved without looking like an application stuffer. Oh well, it looks like it is state school for me.</p>
<p>Even though I'm very new to this whole thing, I think that one shouldn't feign passion just to look good--every person has his or her passion and you just need to search for it in time it's really difficult to keep up a show feigning one's passion...</p>
<p>Hey guys, I got a question here:
How can I put a more indepth meaning into my passion?
(by the way, I'm the kinda guy who's really into politics and international affairs)</p>