<p>I don't have very many ECs unfortunately, so it's important to me that the ones I have 'count'. I have been playing chess for many years and am a rated tournament player. However, my school does not have any other good chess players and hence no real chess club. So my question is: Is playing competitive chess a good EC for colleges?</p>
<p>Yes.
10 characters.</p>
<p>Thanks! Any other opinions?</p>
<p>Definitely. Do you participate outside of school then, if you’re rated and in tournaments?</p>
<p>See, that’s the thing. I only do it outside of school.</p>
<p>Sure. That’s like playing in a travel baseball or basketball league that goes to tournaments and stuff. As long as you’re doing it competitively and not recreationally.</p>
<p>You could start a chess club at your school. If people are bad you can try to tech them. That would be a good EC I guess.</p>
<p>Yes, it is competitive since I play in USCF-rated tournaments. I tried to get more people in my school interested in chess, but nothing ended up really happening with that.</p>
<p>^^ I meant it’s okay to only do it outside of school. I mean, at least I think so. This is probably not really a great example, but I play cello (only outside of school even though my school has an orchestra). I still plan on using it as an EC.</p>
<p>IMHO, try starting a club anyway. That way schools can see that you’re really dedicated to chess as an extracurricular. </p>
<p>(P.S. I’m chess club prez at my school. PM me if you need more advice.)</p>