<p>I just took my Subject Tests today so now that all of my required testing is done and my junior year is almost over I'm actually thinking about the application process more. I might retake the subject tests because I was having a ton of trouble focusing today, but we'll see. I'm currently a Junior so I'll be applying this fall. I'm going to have a pretty strong application in terms of GPA and tests scores:</p>
<p>ACT: 33
PSAT: 219
And my cumulative GPA at the end of this year will probably be 3.88 (unweighed)</p>
<p>The problem is that my best ECs are hard to define. The activities that I put a lot of dedication into are not through clubs or organizations. I have some things that are pretty easy to describe (Varsity/JV Lacrosse, JV Soccer, national Jazz band competitions, 100+ hours of community service, recorded on "School of Jazz" album) but I feel like my list isn't as extensive as others' because I put so much time into other stuff. </p>
<p>The main things I put my time into are photography and trumpet playing. I'm talented at both, but just listing them as activities on applications doesn't really reflect the time I put into each. </p>
<p>So that leaves me with a few questions:</p>
<p>How can I demonstrate my ECs other than just listing them?
If I don't have concrete achievements with photography and music will colleges even care about them?
How much will my lack of other ECs due to the time I put into photography and music hurt me?</p>
<p>And, when colleges say that Subject Test scores are "recommended" how important are they to include?</p>
<p>Any info or insight you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>Can you get someplace local to put up some of your photos in an exhibition? Maybe a restaurant, your school, church etc?</p>
<p>Demonstrating ECs: competitions, awards, shows of your photography, supplemental LOR from music instructor, photography portfolio or music submission, starting a club, etc.</p>
<p>No concrete achievements: Yes, your ECs will be recognized, but it will be very difficult for an adcom to do more than that without something concrete.</p>
<p>How will it affect you: will vary with the school, it’s very hard to give an accurate evaluation.</p>
<p>For selective colleges, IMO anything ‘recommended’ should be considered required if at all possible to do.</p>
<p>I could try to find some places to display my stuff. Thanks for the suggestions.</p>
<p>So it is possible to submit portfolios along with your application? I wasn’t aware of that.</p>
<p>And on a side note, how much does the school you get your undergrad degree at matter for grad school admissions? If you do well at a reputable state school (UWashington in my case) is it equal to doing similarly well at a “better” school? I can’t seem to justify paying $50k a year at a private school if it doesn’t matter all that much for grad school admission.</p>
<p>Most schools will give you instructions for submitting a portfolio of your art work and that includes photography - if you want to be evaluated for your potential by the dept as part of the admissions decision. If it’s just a hobby, it is sufficient to say that you did it. People will generally believe you and it won’t make or break you for admissions.</p>
<p>As for the importance of the reputation of your undergrad for grad school admissions, much depends on what you plan to study. Business and medical schools tend not to care. Others on this forum have said law schools do care. Possibly prestigious depts. in specific subject areas will know the faculty at other highly regarded schools in those areas so it could have an influence.</p>
<p>Frankly, if paying $50k p.a. is going to put you deeply into debt, it’s generally not worth it, especially if you have reputable alternatives, which UWashington certainly is.</p>