<p>General, simple question: my ECs are not particularly strong, but the other components of my application (grades, coursework, scores, essays, supplements) are fairly strong. So, how heavily are ECs considered in admissions decisions? Do I still have a fair chance if I submit a reasonably strong application lacking only in ECs?</p>
<p>Of course you have a fair chance, but you have to remember that the other ~20,000 applicants also have the grades, coursework, scores, (not necessarily the essays), and supplements to fill up their app. Then again, I believe the availability of strong ECs in your area is also factored into consideration, so that may change in some cases. In short, lots of people have the numbers - what makes you different?</p>
<p>Very strongly. As Texasian0 said, most applicants (I’ve heard 80%) have the scores. Have you done anything interesting outside of the classes you’re supposed to take? Have you done anything extra in a class, maybe, or pursued a field farther than you had to? ECs can be academic. Or a job.</p>
<p>Do you have mitigating circumstances? Lack of availability of things around you? A family you have to help to take care of?</p>
<p>It’s hard to tell without context. I guess my basic question is this: You go to class. You come home. You do homework. Then what?</p>
<p>I have done volunteer work and I do a decent number of things on my own time, and yes I’ve had (and still have) a job. It’s just that I don’t have any ECs affiliated with my school (i.e. campus clubs and the sort). Most of the stuff I do outside of my formal curriculum is not associated with my school at all, and that is my point of concern.</p>
<p>Dave: you just answered your own question. You have EC’s! you work, you do stuff outside of school and that’s what they want to see!</p>
<p>Yeah, those count as ECs for the purpose of MIT Admissions :)</p>
<p>Absolutely. The question is really, how do you choose to spend your non-class time.</p>