When it comes to elite schools (Ivies), ECs are really what will differentiate you from all the other applicants with equally stellar grades. But how do you develop strong ECs? I know there needs to be continuity, commitment, and passion in what you do. BUT, my dilemma is that I am going into junior year, and I have spent the last 2 years exploring ECs. I am really curious and love to learn so I like to try out many things to see what is available to me. But, I do not stick with something I don’t like (I want to invest all my time in something I really love). However, time is running out now and it seems like I don’t really have a standout EC that shows COMMITMENT or plays in well with a “STORY” (a story about my interests and what I have done in high school, a story that every element in my application seems to corroborate).
Can you guys give me some fresh ideas, as well as how to get there? I will list my current ECs / interests for you guys to make suggestions upon:
-Science Olympiads since 9th grade, qualified for states in 10th grade, now Team Captain during 11th grade year
-DECA (business/marketing club) since 9th grade, qualified for states 9th, placed 4th at nationals 10th grade, vice president in 10th grade, regional awards for finance, BUT I decided to quit because of scheduling AND I did not like the social atmosphere (everyone was unfriendly and judgmental). This was a very tough decision because I basically poured all my time into it but now I don’t even know if I should place it on my resume because it shows discontinuity despite how much I had dedicated to it. What do you think? HELPPP
-Orchestra since 9th grade, second chair violinist, played a duet at concert, but this is all mediocre (I’m not fantastic enough to play at carnegie or national comps). But I really do enjoy this so I decided to keep it all 4 years. Also started a quintet with friends and we played at nursing homes and uploaded covers to yt, although we are not very good so I don’t know how much that counts?
-Robotics Club joined halfway in 10th, but planning to do it for the next 2 years. I’m actually really excited and planning to get into it.
-Science Research joined halfway in 10th, I enjoy researching in general, but not really the topics we are confined to researching about. There are also limited opportunities as I have proposed well thought out ideas but it just didn’t work due to equipment limitations. The teacher also does not invest a lot of time in all students so its pretty much do it ALL yourself. I started out really excited and worked really hard but I feel a bit defeated right now. Should I continue to work hard and hope it will work out? Or realistically, invest my time elsewhere where the opportunities look brighter? HELPP PLEASE
Things I don’t do as ECs but really enjoy:
-Art! (had my art showcased in a museum at age 9, local and school art awards)
-Writing! (regional essay finalist)
ESSENTIALLY, where should I spend my time and efforts, and how can I build upon my ECs and interests to make them standout and be meaningful to my overall high school career and resume? I want focused, deep, and BIG accomplishments.