<p>I'm a very strong student academically and I have a very rigorous schedule(several AP/IB courses). I got a 35 on the ACT.(No SAT yet) However, I'm somewhat nervous that I don't have enough extracurricular activities to be considered for top schools. I have been a swimmer for 10 years and will likely be a captain next year, and I have also played the piano for 12 years. However, that's pretty much it :/. Did I shoot myself in the foot by not getting more involved? Is there anything I can do to (somewhat) remedy my situation?(I'm a junior by the way)</p>
<p>what do you consider to be ‘top’ schools? I don’t think competitive schools look for gratuitous padding–joining clubs fin order to ‘pad’ the activities section of the college app. I think dedication to a sport and a leadership role are great. </p>
<p>I was hoping to be able to apply to Ivy leagues and other similar caliber schools as realistic ‘reach’ schools. I know universities are looking for “well-rounded” students though and I thought my lack of involvement could send the wrong message.</p>
<p>There is depth and there is breath. You may have spent more time on a fewer number of extracurricular activities but at a more time consuming and deeper level. I believe that many schools do consider this. </p>
<p>Well, when you apply, give a lot of thought to your essays, both common app and the supplements. Yes, your ECs are a bit thin, but I think authenticity is worth more than just ‘joining’ a club. Speak strongly and passionately about why you do the things you do, why you want to be at that particular school and what you bring. Good luck.</p>
<p>Are you a junior? What’s lacking is volunteer work and giving back ECs. You may want to consider teaching younger kids to swim or play piano, especially under privileged or special needs kids. </p>
<p>Hmmm- I think I may be able top get involved with helping younger kids swim with a program at my swim club. If that doesn’t work out I think I can find a way to get involved with volunteering in other ways. Thank you for your advice!</p>
<p>@oldfort has great advice. My S was a big swimmer and through he swim coach he got involved with a weekly program where he helped to teach disabled children and adults to swim – some people got paid to work there but he did it on a volunteer basis. He did it for two years and really found it to be so much more than a “good EC activity” – it became a very fulfilling/moving experience. He actually wrote his essay on swimming and included his experiences there. Although a college graduate/young working adult he can’t volunteer anymore, he still remains in touch with the person who runs this program.</p>
<p>In terms of piano, do you play in any organized group? If not, you could see if you could play in school with the orchestra when needed, accompanying singers etc, play in your church/temple etc. teaching children etc. so you can show some kind of definitive structure/commitment outside of independently taking lessons and practicing.</p>
<p>Elite schools say they want depth rather than quantity, but the competition will be stiff and in the end only a few admissions officers know “what is enough” – and even that can change year to year. At this point I agree that you should stay the course and maximize what you do rather than joining a bunch of clubs just to try to pad the resume because schools see past that pretty easily.</p>
<p>I don’t currently play in any organized groups, but I could try and find something. Competition to play with the orchestra at my school is stiff(I would probably be able to play with them as a senior, but probably not this year), but I could potentially get involved with a church. And I will definitely try to get involved with that swim program I mentioned! </p>
<p>Thanks so much to everyone for your advice!</p>
<p>Do volunteer with a church, offer to become an alternate organist if you can (learn how to play the organ if necessary). Perhaps if things go well, offer to have church sing-alongs for the Sunday School (or something you like) - show initiative.</p>