<p>Over the course of this last school year I have become more interested in science and engineering in general and I am going to apply to schools with strong engineering departments. The only problem with my application is that I have no science extracurriculars. Aside from taking the AMC12 and prelearning a couple chapters of AP Physics this summer, I haven't had the chance to do anything science related outside of school. I would have done something this summer, but I've spent nearly all my time working on my eagle project (designing/ building new uniform racks for my schools marching band). Given my stats (<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/965015-help-picking-colleges.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/965015-help-picking-colleges.html</a>), is it worth it for me to apply to the top tier science/engineering focused schools? MIT, Caltech, etc.</p>
<p>I enjoy solving problems and I really enjoy science, but how can I show this without any ECs? I don't have anything engineering-related to write about in my essays except my eagle project, which barely counts.</p>
<p>I really don’t think this is anything to worry about. You have great stats. You can explain this recent self-discovery in a brilliant essay about how you came to learn this about yourself. Apply to enough great places to increase your chances, and don’t sweat this.</p>
<p>The one thing that makes me hesitate are the spots on the app where they ask about all your science ECs. I really don’t have much to put there, but leaving it blank to me just feels like I’m asking to be rejected.</p>
<p>I agree with with xaniamom. While not exactly your situation, my daughter got into Harvard for physics without ever doing a single math or science EC. Her EC focus was ballet which she continues to do at Harvard along with her physics research and classes. If I recall correctly, one of her essays spoke about how understanding physics (mechanics) is advantageous to her dance. Just make the best case for yourself that you can and remember that few if any are a sure shot for schools like MIT and Caltech, so make sure that you apply to enough other schools that are safer bets.</p>
<p>If you had tons of science ECs along with your stats, you would still look like the typical applicant to MIT or Caltech anyway. Try to distinguish yourself in another way. </p>
<p>You don’t even necessarily have to mention that you want to go into engineering to have a good shot at these schools. Your numbers are clearly there already and most science and engineering schools care first and foremost about your math and science ability. It’s just that places like MIT and Caltech can afford to weigh less tangible factors because there’s so many kids with strong stats and math awards to choose from.</p>
<p>schrizto has a great point. Your EC’s are more diverse, more “outside the box” than the typical math/sci geek might be. You bring something else to the table. Some places might see that as a positive. Who wants everyone in the class to be a clone?</p>
<p>My older S was admitted to RPI, Stevens, and Stony Brook with no science ECs (biomedical engineering) - instead he had music, theater, and church related ECs.</p>
<p>Just be yourself and you will find the right fit for you <em>hugs</em></p>
<p>Thanks for the encouragement! I think I’m going to apply to MIT and Caltech anyways, even though I lack the ECs. If I can’t match everyone else, I guess I’ll just have to convince them I’m different, haha.</p>