<p>I'm currently a junior, and here's everything that I expect to have done by the time I apply to colleges:</p>
<p>1) Four years of Speech & Debate
-one year of LD
-three years of extemp
2) Four years of Biology Squad (volunteering at my school's biology office)
3) Three years of S-PREP at Columbia University
4) Founded Philosophy Club this year
5) Photography Club three years (didn't actually do anything though, lol)
6) ARISTA junior year and senior year (I'll run for a leadership position)
7) Four years of volunteering at after school</p>
<p>Admittedly, I was only minimally involved in Speech & Debate. However, could I make it seem as if it were a major commitment (even though it actually wasn't)? Some people get really into debate, and even though I'm not one of them, I could emphasize the activity as if I were one of those people.</p>
<p>I also had interests in journalism and ethnic studies that I'm not sure how to convey. I would write for my school's newspaper, but it's really a pretty crappy publication. There also aren't really any activities that emphasize ethnic understanding (unless I come up with one!). </p>
<p>Few questions:
1) does it look less impressive to establish a club during senior year?
2) how often, if ever, do colleges actually confirm that you've done your activities?
3) is it okay if my EC's don't all point to particular interest?
4) how many activities (at most) should I list on the common app? </p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I've really given these past few years my all, and I'd hate to negate all those years of effort with some inadequate application.</p>