I’m having trouble standing out and being ‘different’ with my EC’s… Here’s a brief list
Church volunteer
Red Cross Club
Soccer
College Readiness Program
Summer Camps
Math Club
I know these are very typical EC’s that may seem like they lack quality… I’m not too sure leading a club would be unique enough, would it?
What do you guys suggest me to do over the summer or during the school year to stand out?
How can I build a theme to my EC’s? Is a school year and a summer enough time?
Also, considering I am most likely going to be applying to college undecided about my major, how should I go about choosing what theme to create for my EC’s? If i do end up choosing an ‘interest’/theme in my EC’s and I don’t acknowledge that in essays and supplements, will colleges still see that I stand out from the rest of the applicants? TY
I advise you to spend your last year of school focusing on bringing up and maintaining your GPA instead of joining even more clubs. It’s more important, and you already have a decent list of EC’s. Your essay is your real chance to stand out.
Speak on wanting to further your academic career and using college to find yourself not only academically but personally as well, etc since you don’t really have a specific interest(s).
Thanks, that’s a good idea! I also want to do stuff over the summer as well, since I’ll have a lot of free time… do you have any specific suggestions in mind? @PrincessJas
It’s just that I’ve gotten criticism in the past about my ec’s not being that great, and I want to be confident about it 
Try to get an internship in any field, even if it’s unpaid. Go on Internships.com. Another easier thing to do is volunteer work. Volunteer in any nursing home, hospital, animal shelter, daycare, school, library etc. Email local ones for available positions. Both these things will show colleges you’re involved and make you look more mature/well-rounded. 
Also try to find a local or school related fundraiser to participate in, or throw your own even if it’s just selling cookies then donating the funds to a cause you find worthy. Raising money for the needy is always a good look!
ALL my EC’s were volunteer related. My mom pushed me to do it when I was in HS and it paid off in the long run, lol.
Are you a junior or a senior? Also, what schools are you looking at?
Where do you get the idea ECs need to be “different?” For the schools you mentioned in another thread, they need to show some depth in your interests and then some breadth (a willingness to try other things.) What are your interests? Are you sure what you listed is all you do? What sort of vol work through church? What does your hs Red Cross club do?
And for those colleges, they want to glean how you’l fit, thrive and contribute during the four years there- not that you see the college as a ladder to post college success.
You don’t need MANY EC’s. You need a few, pursued in-depth/to the max of your capabilities, showing initiative, thoughtfulness, creativity, ability to rebound after a problem. What matters is what impact you had in the activities you chose to pursue.
In addition, working is considered a strong EC, and taking care of siblings/younger kids “counts”, too.
On the COmmonApp (or Questbridge app), don’t just list the activity/place where you volunteered. Describe the actual things you did. If the club/place was better for you being in it, show it.
Use this:
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/2077.pdf
https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome
Thanks everyone,
I’m going to be a junior, hopefully I have more time to improve and explore
And I might become a cocaptain for soccer next year or senior year.
Having a meaningful role in red Cross is pretty slim,tho I do enjoy the club.
I want to clarify something as well, colleges do not mind what ec’s you are involved in, as long you show depth and involvement, true?
@lookingforward I’m not sure whether I should explore more ec’s or just focus on the ones I am already involved in. Looking at my list of ec’s, what are your thoughts?
I babysat a friend’s little brother once a week and I might continue doing that, if it counts.
Adcoms at those schools will try to form a picture of you. Since you only named groups, not any responsibilities or efforts, it’s hard to judge. If all you do is attend, I always say it’s good to rev up. Can you tell us more? Are you doing anything that challenges you or does some good in the community? Is your math club competitive? (Are you thinking stem?)
If you’re lacking in low income I think you’ll be okay!
If you need the money, I would work over the summer (something I wish I had done more of), hopefully at places that you’re interested in.
Yes, they don’t care what you choose as long as you show depth, involvement, and (measurable) impact.
babysitting once a week is not a “strong EC”, having a job 15+ hours a week is.
Bump
If you are low income, you should probably get a job (fulfilling or tedious work, it doesn’t really matter). Colleges want to see that you have used your time productively and can balance your responsibilities. I’ve been to many admission sessions at colleges and they seem to indicate that you will not be penalized for having fewer ECs because you need to work. It may seem weird to consider yourself low income, but not work.
Thanks!
Having a job is considered a “strong EC” if you have 15+ hours and stick to it (or get promoted, or use it as a stepping stone to a better position - 3 weeks here, 3 weeks there, doesn’t produce the same effect.)