Lack of extracurriculars

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

<p>Hey :)
I'm applying to a couple of ivies and other top schools and I'm concerned about my EC's. I go to a school with about 150 kids in total, so there really aren't many clubs and those that do exist don't do much. Most of my stuff is independent: I study Russian and russian literature; I do language exchange with russians and help them with their english; I've been a classical guitarist for 10 years, but I've never entered a competition; I'm a writer and I'm submitting an entry for the scholastic writing award this year; and I'm a member of my school's volunteer organization. Naturally, looking at college confidential has made me feel inferior lol.
I have no athletics (I have rheumatoid arthritis, it's quite a challenge just to get around school) except for the aerial yoga class that I'm taking to rehabilitate my ankle. I don't exactly live in the land of opportunities (Rio Grande Valley in case you're wondering) and I have no connections - neither of my parents hold college degrees. I'll be in one or two more clubs this year but that's all I'll have to put on my application. Am I totally screwed? I have test scores in at least the 50th percentile for all ivies, all IB classes, great essays and recs from teachers who know me very well etc. etc (I am URM by the way)</p>

<p>basically do you think it's worth applying?? Sometimes I think it is but then I look at this website and I just think I should go to community college or something lol</p>

2

<p>I would include the activities you listed. They are obviously a big part of who you are, and the colleges want to know who you are. One does not need to compete in an activity or have any type of awards or even a certain type of organization to make it meaningful. </p>

<p>It sounds like you are doing well academically and that you are likely an interesting, self-motivated person who is in-tune with your interests and passions. Go for it! Good luck.</p>

3

<p>Well if you know there aren’t many clubs then go ahead and start one! It’ll show your leadership and interest to bring more to your school :)</p>

4

<p>Colleges look at your activities and experiences relative to the opportunities available to you. It sounds like you were very resourceful and definitely took initiative in developing your interests. </p>

5

<p>I certainly hope you’ll include the Russian and classical guitar activities in there!
I wouldn’t recommend starting a club so late into your high school career; it’ll just look like resume padding at this point.</p>