<p>But anyhow, let's say my main extracurriculars are journalism, photography, and classical double bass. For journalism and photography, I've had work featured in a few different school/local/national publications, shot for a few political campaigns, had work featured on a few websites/actual galleries, worked with a few professionals, done a few internships, founded an online publication, etc. With bass, I've been in lots of orchestras, studied with a few private teachers, etc.</p>
<p>What's the best way to express that on my app? Should I name the 3 broad categories in the EC's section of the app and attach a sheet with specifics elsewhere, or just try to name my 7/8 specific most meaningful extracurriculars? Is there some better way to express my EC's?</p>
<p>I would try to get down to the 7/8 most specific and most meaningful extracurriculars. Some of the things you’ve mentioned don’t really belong on the list to begin–i.e. working with a few professionals. Such experiences would be more useful for recommendations, e.g. I sent an extra recommendation from my private violin teacher, who is the Natinal Symphony Orchestra Assistant Concertmaster. But to put in the EC part of the application would be unnecessary, because you have to realize, many people have private tutors, and have worked with professionals. </p>
<p>With regards to the many orchestras, yes, name one specific, but use what you have! For example, I wrote I was Concertmaster of my School Orchestra under the School Activities and then a Rotating Assistant Concertmaster of the American Youth Philharmonic under the Extracurricular Activities section–this does two things: yes it tells I play violin, but it also tells them I’m passionate about it! So there are many ways to approach the fact that you do have a “laundry list” of activities. </p>
<p>Another note: HOWEVER, if you do boil the list to the most significant and find you have spaces…Fill them in! </p>
<p>If the “boiling” down doesn’t work, then I suggest you instead go ahead and attach an activity list in .doc format or something…make a table with the name of the activity, extent to which you participated, any roles, and a brief description…and attach it as part of the additional information section…but this is really a lot of unnecessary work–you have to realize people do get in with simply the application itself, and a vast majority of them; in addition, these people get in with just as many activities as you! But can honestly state the few that truly shaped them, and meant the most to them, both in learning and in dedication!</p>
<p>Sorry this post is so long…but I hope it answered your question! And Good luck! Hope to see you at Columbia next year!</p>
<p>Thanks, and to a great extent, it did answer my question. </p>
<p>Anyhow, for the multiple orchestras thing, I spent one year as principal bassist of two of my school’s “regular” orchestras, and three as a section player in our most prestigious orchestra, which won a Grammy, etc. Should I just write “Bassist, [School name] orchestra program, including three years in [name of really prestigious orchestra]” and then write that I had one year of leadership? Or, since my school considers orchestras classes which go on the transcript, should I only mention outside music activities and have my guidance counselor somehow mention in her rec that I was section principal in freshman orchestra?</p>
<p>Well the Columbia application has room for both in and out of school activities. So in the in-school activities, I would go ahead and put just that, “(Insert name) HS Orchestra” and I don’t think the adcom would be too picky, just write, Bass Section Leader, under Positions Held. Don’t worry too much! And I think what Columbia wants to see is really, any exposure to leadership that you had…I don’t they want to penalize you for it only being one year. So ya, in conclusion:</p>
<p>And to answer the thread’s question…I think you should be sure to put Orchestra as one of your activities that you hope to continue! Or so I did :)</p>
<p>In any event, once again, good luck! And hope to see you next year! (I’m SEAS '13 by the way Successful ED applicant!)</p>
Successful ED applicant!)</p>