<p>So, class of 2013'er here (holla at my boy-ees!) and one (other) issue in particular has really been bugging me lately - it's the fact that I'm a senior looking to apply to competitive colleges with no real, official officer position my last year.</p>
<p>I don't really want to get into detail, but of the (two) legitimate positions I held last year, I essentially got voted out by reason of misunderstanding (I had been deemed 'lazy' by my peers when in fact much of the real work I did was behind the scenes...) and unpopularity (you know how it is).</p>
<p>How do I now compensate for the fact that I got voted out of the only positions I've ever held? I was considering founding a programming club (legitimate interest here) to fill this necessity and my general interests with CS, but as I senior I feel reluctant to do something that might come across as being desperate. Adcoms are sure to notice such a discrepancy either way..</p>
<p>Some advice would be appreciated. tank yoos~</p>
<p>And, semi-related ‘question-generale’: we all know the adage “don’t do things you’re not genuinely into to come off as impressive to adcoms” - but how would this apply with respect to seniors that are doing something totally brand new? Despite a true interest, wouldn’t the mere fact that you’re a senior demonstrate that it’s out of ‘impressiveness’ that you’re pursuing said activity?</p>
<p>In light of that question, should one avoid brand-new activities senior year altogether?</p>
<p>I can’t say much to the rest of this thread, but…</p>
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<p>I don’t think so. I think doing something new is wonderful and amazing, no matter when it is. I just joined a club the first week of school (that was what, a week ago?), and just jumped right in to do whatever I can. I really like the club I joined, and I don’t really care if some adcom thinks “oh look, elleya must’ve been desperate, she joined a club and racked up like 2 hours/week, maybe she thinks that says something.” </p>
<p>Granted, I have other EC’s (I imagine you have more than I do), so I couldn’t care less. I think doing what you want to do should trump doing something that influences the opinion of colleges.</p>
<p>Well I was the class president for the first three years of high school and beat my senior year by someone who was more popular than me I guess. So I decided to run for vice president and won.</p>
<p>Just do what you want. I could’ve gotten a leadership position in band but I didn’t want librarian or anything; I wanted to be section leader. I didn’t get that. Sure, it might look weird that I’ve been in like every band in my school yet I have no leadership, but that’s just the way it falls.
If a college denies you for doing what you want, do you really want to go there in the first place?</p>
<p>^ My thoughts exactly. Thank you for posing that question! I’ve been told my ECs don’t look “passionate” on paper; how would a college even determine that without hearing my explanation of my involvement?</p>
<p>Do what you want to do. If that means trying new things, go for it. I joined a magazine and I’m volunteering for a campaign. It might look like I’m trying to pad my application, but I’m not going to pass up opportunities for things just because they’ve come my senior year. </p>
<p>Plus, colleges realize that a lot of leadership positions are popularity contests. If you can speak passionately about the things you love, it’ll serve you better than just saying you’re president of XYZ clubs.</p>
I’ve been told my ECs don’t look “passionate” on paper; how would a college even determine that without hearing my explanation of my involvement?</p>