<p>I'm currently a sophomore in high school and my grades are only average (92). A good percent of my school is getting 97+ averages so I figured that the only way I can compete with them is with extracurricular activities. I know that I have to be "special" and spend time and dedication to extracurricular that interest me, but that's the problem. I'm not an athletic guy and I'm not in any sport teams. I do some red cross stuff at school, and help tutor kids during the summer. Anyone could do red cross events and find a summer job. I want to be "special" and do extracurricular related to the medical field but I don't know where to find them. The only summer jobs I can find are ones where you scoop icecream, or stack books in a library. I'm hoping to get into a good reputable college.</p>
<p>BTW, do I need an official document saying I worked for it to be considered "extracurricular"? Does it count if my mom's boss hired me to help out at a private pharmacy?</p>
<p>Nope, stating your extra curricular activity is all done under the ‘honor system’ that you will report them truthfully(anybody can lie technically). My suggestion, do something with your time that is special to you, it doesnt have to be special in the eyes of a college admissions officer. </p>
Nope, not going to work. The most competitive colleges use ECs to choose between well-qualified applicants. You have to have good grades and scores to even make the 1st cut. ECs are not going to replace academics.</p>
<p>Are you sure? cause one kid from my school had an 87 average and got in Stanford because of sports. Jeremy Lin only had an 88 average and he got into Harvard.</p>
<p>Unless you make some groundbreaking new discovery or something like that, you’re going to have a tough time being “special”. Just do what fascinates you and devote yourself to whatever that or those things are. </p>
<p>EDIT: I should mention that I meant “you” to be plural rather than singular - all applicants, not just you yourself.</p>
<p>Jeremy Lin and the Stanford athlete were recruited for being top-flight athletes. Most recruits have multiple state and regional level achievements by junior year. Since you do not do athletics, or another outstanding activity it is highly unlikely that your GPA will be ignored. </p>
<p>That said, you do not have to attend a tippy-top college to find success in life. Work hard at identifying your future major, and finding the school that will admit and educate you to become happy and productive.</p>