<p>I know that a lot of ECs are good, but are more ECs better or less Ecs and better quality (ie more energy devoted to those ECs) better? thanks</p>
<p>less with more quality is generally better.</p>
<p>OP: Think about what's more easy to talk about - how you're a member of a lot of clubs and really enjoy every one, or how you won a state title/honors in one, two, or three different activities. Personally, I think it's easier to pontificate on the many awards I've won than how I was part of so many clubs and really didn't contribute. Furthermore, many people agree that when you devote yourself to ONE thing and you are talented/work hard at it, you'll hopefully get some kind of state/national award... and when you've got a national award on your belt, your file in the admissions office usually gets a 'gold star sticker.'</p>
<p>Furthermore - think about it:</p>
<p>ANYONE, can join and be a part of a lot of clubs, and have the ability to write them on their application. NOT everyone can mention a state/national title...</p>
<p>Qualtiy is ALWAYS better than quantity.</p>
<p>They actually look for focused ECs. What I mean by that is: "do your ECs demonstrate a strong interest in something in particular?" </p>
<p>Let's say you love to write and want to be an author. Your ECs might include Editor of the newspaper, regular contributor to an online journal, several published articles, a writing competition, etc.... </p>
<p>It's ok to have two strong areas of interest. </p>
<p>You can see how this application, where it is clear what your focus is, would be better than a laundry list of the same 'ol crap-0-la that the admissions people are used to seeing every day. At some point their eyes just have to start to glaze over and every smart, over achieving kid looks the same. Stand out by showing passion about one or two things.</p>
<p>Or three...</p>
<p>DEFINITELY a few, passionate, strong activities. I really wish I had known this at the beginning of high school...</p>
<p>Everyone who said achievement in a few focused ECs is right. That's what the top schools look for. Here's what Stanford says in its FAQ
[quote]
How much weight do you place on extracurricular activities?
In addition to academic excellence and intellectual vitality, we are interested in students who have made significant contributions to the life of their school or community. We do not favor one type of activity over another; nor is it necessary to participate in a large number of activities. An exceptional experience in one or two activities demonstrates your passion more than minimal participation in five or six clubs. We want to see the impact your participation has had on that club, in your school, or in the larger community. With extracurricular activities, a sustained depth of commitment is more important than a long list of clubs you have joined.</p>
[/quote]
</a></p>
<p>Does math team count as an EC?</p>
<p>Yes, of course. </p>
<p>Math team, math competitions, math "day" (if there is such a thing) - especially if you planning on majoring in something math related.</p>
<p>Like, every day in teh morning, first period I have math team, and sometimes I stay after school and take NYC competitions. Does that count as a class or extracurricular or both?</p>
<p>Yes - it's something outside of school that's not required of you that you do for fun or whatever the reason. If that's your choice for the activities you participate in, you should make sure that you really enjoy it and be willing to put time into it.</p>
<p>Last question, is just starting at something like say swim team at junior year worth putting as an EC or does that not count as a great EC?</p>
<p>I have been consistently told the same thing by admissions officers in recent years. They want you to have done some things and done them well. Starting on a swim team is doing pretty well. Shoot, just getting on the team means you're one of the best swimmers in the school, right?</p>
<p>If you're a debater, do well at debate meets. If you play chess, do well in competition. It's always better to be state, regional, or national class, of course, but most can't go that far. So, lead the activity. Do well at the activity.</p>
<p>That's all.</p>
<p>Yup - the state/nat'l championship is a pretty nice thing to have on the resume.</p>
<p>Yes, starting something like swim team in Junior year is better than NOT starting something like swim team in Junior year.</p>
<p>Assuming you like swimming and are relatively good at it. (You don't have to be the star.)</p>