Little EC involvement 9th/10th grade -- bad?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm currently a junior with a strong academic background. This year, I've become really active in extra curriculars (officer positions, etc.). The thing is, I barely did any ECs in 9th or 10th grade, and now I'm wondering whether that'll look ... ungood when I put it on a college app. Some ECs:</p>

<p>Writers' group - president
Key Club - member, plan to run for officer position
CSF - member, plan to run for officer position
Habitat for Humanity - member, plan to run for officer position
Spanish club - vice president
School magazine - founder and head editor</p>

<p>Again, this has all mainly occurred this year.</p>

<p>As I perused the Stanford* site, I came across a bit on preparing for college. It says:</p>

<p>"As the last full year of school that colleges can evaluate before they make a decision on your application, what you do in class and out of class during 11th grade is crucial. ... During 11th grade, seek out ways to become more involved in the clubs and activities that most excite you. Assume leadership roles on specific projects or run for one of the leadership offices in the organization."</p>

<p>This seems to imply that 11th grade EC activity is most important; I'm not quite sure. Opinions?</p>

<p>If it matters: I want to get into UC Berkeley the most, or some other UC if not Cal. (+ I'm a California resident.)</p>

<ul>
<li>I reference Stanford because--well, it's Stanford. :P But I do realize that the UCs may have a different view of EC activity.</li>
</ul>

2

<p>colleges generally like commitment to EC's. 4 years of some activity would definitely be good. however, its not the end of the game if you didn't do much 9th and 10th grade. if you have a solid academic background, and very good involvement starting in eleventh grade, you would still have a chance at top schools. EC's is not the only factor in admissions.</p>

<p>i hardly did anything 9th and 10th grade. But I did have good grades and heavy involvement in EC's junior year. i got into UVa w/ some good essays. </p>

<p>so if you dont have that much involvement in the early years, its in the past. do the best w wat you can now. understandably, Stanford or the Ivies would be more difficult for you if most of your EC's are stacked in junior year, but go for it if you can.</p>

3

<p>That's good to hear. I'm not interested in the Ivies/Stanford, thankfully. Just UCs, I think.</p>