<p>I'm a rising senior interested in small colleges like Rice, Grinnell, Swarthmore, etc. I've been looking through some threads here on cc and have realized that strong extracurriculars are crucial when applying to competitive colleges.</p>
<p>However, I barely have any and the few that I do have show no focus. I hate to give excuses, but I mean I spent the first 2 years moving(5+schools) and taking care of my siblings. Junior year, I joined clubs and volunteered. I became treasurer of one and am president for this coming year of a volunteering club. But that's pretty much it, and it's basically nothing compared to what others here on cc have achieved.</p>
<p>I spent this summer working at a fast food restaurant and taking summer school classes, so no time for EC's. I have a couple hobbies like art(drawing, piano, guitar, creating clothes, designing houses, etc.) but they're all self-taught so I don't think they count. </p>
<p>How much of an impact will this have on college admissions? Is it too late to try to enhance them a bit senior year?</p>
<p>U have plenty… Cc users are just overacheivers… I think ur fine</p>
<p>ECs are a short hand of saying that students do something meaningful/interesting besides study and go to school. Admission reps all say that working – during the school year or the summer – is an “EC” as are significant family responsibilities such as caring for younger sibs. Sounds like you have been plenty busy, so don’t worry. </p>
<p>Admissions will see that you attended numerous schools so it would make sense that your ECs would change as different schools have different opportunities. Indicating that you are president of a club shows dedication to the club your part of. Like others have said you’ll be fine. </p>
<p>If you can incorporate your personal story and interests into compelling essays, and your guidance counselor discusses them in his or her letter, then you should be fine. The colleges you are interested in are “holistic,” and do take considerable interest in extracurricular activities, but they look at the applicants individually.</p>
<p>For a liberal arts college, it will definitely hurt. But try to get more involved in the ones you already have.</p>
<p>I do not know about Swarthmore, but for Rice and Grinnell, I think you can stand out by what you do after school. Your frequent moving, taking care of siblings, and working at a fast food restaurant will distinguish you from a lot of equally good or better students from a more privileged environment. Your self-taught hobbies look interesting. It’s all up to you to present yourself as an interesting person who will contribute to the diversity of the campus life.</p>
<p>I heard from several college admission staff that working experience is actually highly valued but often overlooked by applicants. Have confidence in your after school activities. It’s a good idea to let the teachers and counselor who write the recommendation letters endorse what you do after school.</p>
<p>At least you have some ECs treasurer of a club and job experience. I have nothing only sports and I’ve attended three high schools my entire high school life.</p>