Ideas for Extracurriculars for a future Berkeley transfer?

<p>I am starting community college in a couple of weeks after transferring with a year from a CSU. I'm coming in with a 3.3 gpa and I am extremely confident of getting straight A's from now on. My major is Computer Science and I plan on applying in the 14/15 school year. </p>

<p>I know I should do a lot of tech extra-curriculars like website or app projects and making additions to GitHub open-source projects. But I'm really out of ideas for non-tech EC's and I can't think of anything besides starting a club on campus, doing student government, or community service (which I think is a waste of time in terms of college transfer applications)</p>

<p>I want to think outside of the box on what I can do to put on my application and was wondering if anybody could help me brainstorming on the idea</p>

<p>Have you tried finding a job? That always looks good IMO. It shows you can manage your time if you have the grades to show it</p>

<p>I recommend tutoring. It’s a good EC that also tells UCB that you have been going over the old stuff and not forgetting them. I put that in my PS and got admitted.</p>

<p>I got admitted for Fall 13 and I’ll share some of my EC’s. I worked 30 hours a week at T-Mobile as a retail sales associate, played on 2 hockey teams, coached a middle school hockey team, volunteered, and had a leadership position in my CC’s honor society Alpha Gamma Sigma. I also tutored for a Math summer program which definitely looks good on the UC app. I did all of those along with 19 units a semester in my 2nd year as well. They want someone who is well-rounded, not just a study bug who can get a 4.0 but doesn’t do anything else. Also, don’t just join random clubs just for the sake of having them on your app. They want leaders. Try starting your own club, or try to get into a leadership position. And spend time on your Personal Statement as well. They will definitely know if you procrastinated on that.</p>

<p>Do whatever you want, as long as it’s in a field you’re passionate about. I’m not a transfer (incoming freshman), so I can’t tell you with 100% confidence, but from what I’ve seen so far at the school, they pride themselves on students that strive to achieve in fields they truly love.</p>

<p>I wrote about TAing for one quarter and getting involved in research early. I used these activities to show the adcom that I was doing my best to explore my major and to find my niche in a very large field, and that such experiences have only made me more passionate.</p>

<p>I’ll echo what melonpanman said: it’s not about the quantity of extracurriculars you take on, it’s about the commitment and passion you put in. It can be just one activity, as long as it means something to you personally and professionally.</p>

<p>Anyone can get a job…so it’s not impressive. Since thousands of other applicants will state this. </p>

<p>Tutoring is great. LEADERSHIP in anything is impressive! Also, RESEARCH EXPERIENCE. It’s so rare for a community college student to have it. If you come across it, don’t turn it down.</p>