<p>My ECs basically fall into three major categories: art, music, and science. The thing is, I have lots of small ECs that make up these three categories-- for instance, I have:
Piano - local community church pianist, piano teacher for middle school and elem. school kids, school jazz band pianist, state music exam (highest level/full score).
Violin - also state music exam (highest leve/full score), all-county and all-state, Music Honor Society, youth orchestra, summer orchestra camp...</p>
<p>That alone comprises the music category.
I'm confused. Should I list those separately in the slots provided by the common app, or should I just list it as "piano" and then elaborate in the little section they give you? (I don't know if it'll fit, but I can try and abbreviate). </p>
<p>The thing is, it's pretty much the same thing for art and science -- I have a lot of activities that would fall under the "science" category, and many that would fall under the "visual arts" category.</p>
<p>.. Should I list it as I stated above or should I just choose six of the ECs I actually do (not the categories) and list them like that? I don't want to risk appearing scattered on my application.</p>
<p>First, know that admissions officers will read "orchestra," "Science Bowl competitor," "had my own gallery" or whatever you'd be able to list, and realize that your interests span the broader categories of music, science, and visual art. They will read the details and be able to group them together on their own. They're highly trained professionals. With this in mind, what I'd recommend is choosing the 6 (or however many CommonApp will let you list) activities that either (1) take up the most time or (2) express "the most serious commitment." Vary your activities--those that help the community should be listed, but those awards, etc., that show your own unique talents should be as well. Choose from your activities and awards with care.</p>
<p>If you can group some together, you should; however, by no means write "visual art" and list the specifics in the awards section. If you have two church activities, for example, group them together and list the specifics in the other blank section.</p>
<p>You won't "appear scattered" on your app. Having two to three serious commitments (in terms of categories, like the ones you have) seems ideal to me. Colleges don't want "renaissance men" anymore, and you won't appear to be juggling activities that have no correlation. You're safe listing activities.</p>
<p>That's what I'm doing, and I've branched out into about 3 fields of interest as well. PM me if you need any more advice.</p>