<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I have been having an argument with my parents for the past couple of years about the weight of the extracurricular activity in which I pour all of my time and energy. I obviously didn't do it for a college application, but now that it's getting to about that time, I guess I want to know how far it may take me during the admissions process. So here goes.</p>
<p>I have been learning a world performing arts style since I was five years old. It's not an extremely common activity, but not uncommon either. (Let's say less common than any varsity sport, but more common than... i don't know, spelunking) It has progressed to the point where I perform nationally and internationally with a small, not very famous, but critically-acclaimed company. We don't do competitions, because traditionally, there are none (this is what tends to help my parents make their point; I've never actually won anything). However, I think performing professionally is just as big a deal. I also plan to demonstrate true passion through my essays and a high level of skill through an arts supplement. </p>
<p>So. The big question. How much do you guys think this will count for? More or less than a varsity sport? About the same? More or less than other activities? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any input : )</p>
<p>Most colleges won’t care because most colleges don’t factor ECs into admission.</p>
<p>If you have the stats for the very top colleges – places like Harvard, Amherst – they have such an overabundance of high stat applicants, that those colleges can use ECs to pick and choose from their high stat applicants.</p>
<p>If you have high stats, your performing nationally and internationally in an unusual EC would give you an advantage at such colleges, which have an overabundance of high stat students who are varsity athletes, SGA officers, championship math team competitors, and science fair winners.</p>
<p>Saying this as a Harvard alum and former alum interviewer.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! My stats are pretty solid, so I am planning on applying to some top-tier schools. I’m hoping my EC will make me stand out above the crowd, even just a little.</p>
<p>It is more important to show that you put all of your time and effort into those 1-3ish activities that you do. There are so many people that will take up 5-10 activities that they do not care about and put little to no effort into those activites. They have these just to put on their college applications. My ‘stats’, as in GPA, SAT’s, were right around average for those colleges that I applied. I tried to show the commitment I gave to my activities in my application, and I think that’s what the best part of my application was, and that may have got me into colleges over people with similar or even better ‘stats’.</p>
<p>You have committed to something and now perform at an international level–that’s impressive.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. I feel more confident now that I made the right decision to stick with one or two unique activities which I really love. I hope I can demonstrate my level of commitment and passion to the colleges I’m applying to.</p>