<p>I'm entering my senior year, and this is basically what my extracurriculars look like:</p>
<p>Activities:</p>
<p>High School Marching Band - (7th-12th grade)
Percussion Ensemble - (8th-12th grade)
Creative Writing Club - (10th-12th grade)
PMEA District Band - (10th grade and maybe 12th grade)
Center For Talented Youth - (8th-11th grade) Took 4 college-level courses
Wind Ensemble - (11th-12th grade)
Scholastic Scrimmage - (11th grade - JV Team)(12th grade - Varsity Team)
French Club - (11th grade-12th grade)
Helping out with Church - (11th-12th grade)
Interact Club - (11th grade)(Maybe 12th grade)
Young Republicans - (12th grade)
ArtsQuest - (12th grade)
Blue Eagle Ambassadors - (12th grade)</p>
<p>Leadership:</p>
<p>High School Marching Band: Lead Tenor
Creative Writing Club: Officer
Young Republicans: Founder/President
Blue Eagle Ambassadors: It's student government</p>
<p>Awards:
-Our high school marching band came in 1st place at the USSBA National Championships in 2007, 2008 and 2010 and has scored the highest score in the circuit in history
-I made it into district band in 10th grade. I was the 4th best percussionist
-Scholastic Scrimmage came in 2nd in the district in 2010</p>
<p>Nothing really stands out it seems like you mostly just joined a lot of things. </p>
<p>You need a primary focus. It’s a little late, but do something spectacular. Spend this summer volunteering for something you care about or interning (it’s late to apply but maybe you know someone who can get you one) or making a free music camp for kids (again a little late for that) etc.</p>
<p>I somewhat disagree with others. There is a CC consensus that a large EC list = meaningless clubs, and it is very rare that people will say your ECs look good for Ivies (rightfully so, because they are always looking for different things).</p>
<p>You clearly have a passion for music. The rest of the stuff is somewhat laundry list-ish, so you will have to breathe some life into a few of those things in your essays to give them meaning and passion. I don’t think you necessarily have to go out and do something groundbreaking this summer. If you get that job, that will look good as well.</p>
<p>Thank you for the replies (it’s a bit late but I was away for 9 days) </p>
<p>I might talk about Young Republicans in an essay because I have good reasons to make it. I did not just make it to become a Founder of a club. And alwaysleah, I am volunteering this summer at something I care about: ArtsQuest. It’s a new arts and music plaza and I am helping out there since it is the first year and it needs help to carry it along.</p>
<p>I’m planning on majoring in Economics and then going onto law school (and I want to go onto politics, but I am not planning on studying that at college), so my ECs are not too consistent with that, but I do have a passion.</p>
<p>Meh, I went a bit overboard after I got my driver’s license and could do whatever I wanted. I joined these clubs mainly to have fun, not to write down on my college admissions. But is my list really as bad and inconsistent as you guys claim?</p>
<p>When it comes to playing an instrument(s) can you play it/them at the next level? By next level can you play professionally or would your skill level impress a professor at an Ivy League school?</p>
<p>It’s not that your ECs lack focus: I see music, govt., and depending on how much time you put into it, either the arts or church. Group them together so you show the ‘themes.’ </p>
<p>Then look at your themes and figure out how you can make contributions in each of those areas that will differentiate you from all the thousands of kids who also do the same activities. It takes a lot of time, creativity, hard work, and insight to make a lasting and/or meaningful contribution in an area (let alone in 3-4 areas), especially when you are already up to you neck in school work, college selection and exams. It isn’t necessary to do it either, unless you are shooting for a very selective school. Decide what your priorities are and spend your time accordingly.</p>