Im not an expert at this, believersmom, but I think that counselors are responsible for everything related to those types of “shifts” For example, Joseph’s grades dropped insanely in junior year. GC might need to write a brief descrip. of why J’s grades dropped so drastically. i.e. because he suffered from Disease X, sibling passed away, etc… GC might also put the actual GPA WITH including the weighted grade.
I’m a freshman, but I have approximately have 1,000 volenteer work for Pal, the Police Activity League, I have been helping out there for probably 4 years. I have3 about 5-6 other EC’s but how is the 1,000 hours, bc I saw an earlier post where someone asked if 500 hours of research was sufficient enough to be considered an EC. Thanks!
So you started in 5th grade ? Anything before 9th grade is irrelevant for admissions, but you can continue working for PAL.
things before 9th are not irrelevant as long as you keep with it (eg awards you won dont count, but if youve done something since forever, it goes on your resume as ‘since forever’) it shows dedication…
oh well…
I am in critical situation. I have no ECs besides cooking spanish food. I’m not hispanic so that might be considered “unique.” Other than that, no… I dont know what I should do. I wanted to start a spanish teaching program for young kids, but the local library said they didn’t need such thing. My passion is latin american culture, so I like anything related to it. I do cooking, and attempted teaching spanish, but the library said “no” Help please, Thank you.
oh! tutor ESL kids at an innercity elementary school!!!
I want to do that, but dont speak spanish 
seems like a good idea idamayer, but just keep in mind that this city is known to be a “rich city” (though not EVERYBODY is rich, but a handful of them are) and it’s a pretty affluent city. Moms here, instead of relying on a high school kid (in this case, me), they would run for an experienced and professional tutor. Believe me, I know how asian mothers behave. (since im asian). You barely see hispanic people and black people. So really, there’s no need for me being an ESL tutor. Plus, I think they might be much more worried about English than Spanish.
great advice! thx!
huh? (10 char)
i think i reallllllyyyyy lack ECs, seriously… ugh
Can someone tell me if this would be impressive for admissons officers or be considered a hook:
I have been learning Indian Classical Dance since I was 4 and I am now pretty good. I came on the news on a local California channel when I was only 6 and I have been in several Indian American magazines and newspapers in different languages and in one Indian newspaper for my dance. Last summer I spent two months learning dance in Chennai, India with one of the best guru who was the ex-principle of Kalakshetra, the most prestigous dance insitute in the world. I just organized a dance program that collected $8000 for a charity I work for in Inda. In the future, I am planning to have a small tour around the United States with all profits going to the charity. Also, I might appear in Doordashan Channel, which is like the BBC of India, and I hope to win the ARTS scholarship in world dance.
For me these are a lot of accomplishments, but for colleges like Brown, Darthmouth, and Harvard I don’t know if this is something an average applicant has or if it is considered a hook. Please help me and be hundred percent truthfull!!!
My current stats:
GPA: 4.29 by the end of the year
SAT: I’m going to take it in June.
Junior
Taking Honors and AP classes right now.
School population: approximately 2000 students
Work Experience: Working part-time at my family’s restaurant (9,10,11).
Volunteer: None
ECs: only 1 club (11).
Awards: None
I’m going to tutor math students in May, and maybe some community service in the summer. I am really worried about my ECs.
Transportation problems + restaurant job= weak ECs.
I’m going to join a few more clubs and do some other things during my senior year, because I will have more time next year.
I wanted to join clubs earlier but there were a lot of problems during my freshmen and sophmore years.
I don’t want colleges to think I am joining 2+ clubs next year just so to look good on my college application.
What should I do?
I’m in exactly the same situation, except I’m a freshman. My only ECs are piano and math club (which I only got a few minor awards in). This is for 2 reasons: transportation problems and I came late during the year, so I didn’t find out about all the clubs.
cooljoe,
Don’t fret. You still have plenty of time.
I’m just wondering: would it be bad for me to join a lot of clubs next year, which I’m going to try to do? I’m afraid this may be misinterpreted, and colleges may believe I’m just doing it to get admission.
Hey can someone comment on my post on the previous page. I really wanted some opinions on it.
im gonna be going to my 4th year in marching band,
10th grade-secretary, and 11th&12th grade-president of band.
i feel like compared to everyone, adcoms wont like it? i mean i have a leadership position right???
but is it better to have like 5 more clubs like most people?
Mountain Dew-- I think the restaurant job can actually work in your favor. College apps ALWAYS ask about work experience. It shows your commitment and responsibility.
If you want to pursue anything else, I think the key would be to pursue things that genuinely interest you and pertain to any future career paths you may have your eye on.
Mountain Dew-- as an employer of professionals in the service world, believe it or not, I actually look for service work at an early age when scanning resumes, and being a waiter or waitress is the #1 thing I look for. Generally, I have found that people who perform such work, especially like you repeated year-to-year, are sensitive to those around you and more mature in team work environments, have their egos in check, plus deal well with clients. So, you’ve got a head start in my book on life post school. For the college app process, suggest you make the best of what your part-time work has done for you…its certainly not less valuable experience than other EC’s, and I would argue that it provides you a background well suited for the modern world, including being a strong contributing member of an academic community, where team work and working with people is important.
Hey,
I was just wondering if any of you have taken IB courses and have suggestion about what to use for CAS hours that look good on college applications as well.
kmanoj: I don’t see how this would not be highly regarded by admissions departments. You’ve participated in a cultural activity for many years, performed at an international level, and even used your love of dance to serve others through your charity program. My D has almost a mirror image experience with Irish dance & music. In fact, it is so important to her, I don’t think she’ll seek admission at a college where she has no outlet for her music & dance. Good luck to you.