Making up for poor ECs

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>How can a student with modest standardized test scores (low 30s ACT), good grades, and pathetic ECs (no national awards or leadership) improve their chances at top colleges? Can outstanding essays be a pull from the rejection to the accepted list at some really selective colleges, or are you doomed to failure?</p>

2

<p>
[quote]
How can a student with modest standardized test scores (low 30s ACT), good grades, and pathetic ECs (no national awards or leadership) improve their chances at top colleges?

[/quote]

They can't. Nearly all applicants to top colleges have excellent standardized test scores and excellent ECs.

[quote]
are you doomed to failure?

[/quote]

Yes</p>

3

<p>Wow, way to be helpful Bob.</p>

<p>Anyways,</p>

<p>My situation is similar. I've been told that a truly original essay can help someone stand out in the admissions process. Also, present the things you have done and make them appear as significant as possible.</p>

4

<p>It's dependant on where you are applying I assume.</p>

<p>For Ivy League I guess its a stretch, but for alot of top colleges they value essay and interesting EC's (not just official awards) equally to these things. </p>

<p>I think for some theres like no chance, but definitly not ALL top colleges.</p>

<p>I bet LAC's will be more leniant.</p>

5

<p>

I'm sorry but I was being honest... At top colleges, most nearly everyone has stellar everything, including extracurriculars... It is extremely competitive. Those types of colleges want kids who are active on campus and in clubs, which certainly doesn't come across when someone has poor extracurricular activities and no leadership.</p>

6

<p>hahahahahhahahaha keep it real bob! dont give em false hope!</p>

7

<p>Don't be fooled. The admission process is subjective and murky. Keep in mind that the adcoms are human beings. While they will not let in someone with a great essay and horrid scores, you could very well have a chance given your scores aren't bad.</p>

8

<p>Hey, everyone has a chance. If they want you, they'll take you.</p>

9

<p>does this poor ECs stuff apply to the middle-tier UCs like Davis, SD?</p>

10

<p>^ (10 chars)</p>

11

<p>
[quote]
At top colleges, most nearly everyone has stellar everything, including extracurriculars

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You're kidding, right?</p>