<p>What we've found with DS1 (a junior) is that the two ECs he started with in HS (one in-school, one independent) have brought him lots and lots of other related ECs within those two interests, including leadership positions. A chart to show the progression would be really useful here, but it would be too revealing.</p>
<p>The leadership roles have been a pleasant surprise, as DS is somewhat on the quiet side. On the other hand, when you're dealing with him in his areas of competence, he kicks it into a higher gear and takes off. The outside-of-school EC has led to major things within his school, and the inside-of-school EC has led to opportunties outside of the classroom.</p>
<p>He does not do sports, art, drama or music, though he is very well-rounded in other areas. It will be pretty darned clear in his essays what he's all about and why he's chosen his particular path. If that's a problem for a college, then it's probably not the right place for him. </p>
<p>I was a do-everything kiddo in HS, in retrospect to alleviate the boredom of a medicre school. It was I needed to do to feed my brain. DS1 is feeding his, in a different way, and wherever he goes, it will be a place that allows him to be true to himself.</p>