I have a question about EC’s: what really makes one stand out when one applies to an Ivy League/UC System school? A vast amount of people applying to those schools, especially the IL’s, have a bunch of presidencies in clubs and organizations and/or county/state championships and/or some great leadership position or honors. I feel overwhelmed by competition here; I have no leadership roles other than possibly being a section leader in band (so impressive, hm? sarcasm off). The majority of the events I do volunteer at are because my tiger mother pressured me to go. However, she rather disapproves of my participation in music and art and really does not want me to get involved in politics, which I do want to get involved with. The thing is, is there any positive correlation between music and art and business/political majors? When I apply to a top university, does my application stand out if I have below average grades (compared to the 4.0/4.0 GPAs that consistently apply there) but participation (yes, you heard me - ONLY participation) in the Rose Parade and Cherry Blossom Parade? Do oil painting distinguish me? I feel that I’m woefully unsuited in terms of EC’s compared to my classmate graduates of 2017.
I love marching band but suck at the trumpet - suck as in I can’t win crap or get any sort distinguished honors with my playing. I’m an average player.