No " extra curriculars"

Applying to College
1

<p>Ok, I signed up to this website because I need help/advice with my situation.
I will be a senior next year at the (Townview school of business and management.) After the first semester of Junior year ended, I was ranked 43 out of 118 in my class. Thing is, I haven't really done anything to "stand out." Freshman year, I did really horrible, almost got kicked out. My GPA was a 74.5. I had taken one AP class that year (human geography) and got an average 80 in that class. I had to talk to my principal and knew that I had to do better the following years. </p>

<p>Come sophomore year, and things got much better, academically wise. I got high Bs and some As. Rose my GPA from a 74.5 to a low 80 (can't remember.) But still, I joined no organizations. My time outside of school was spent playing recreational sports, since my school didn't offer sports as an extra curricular activity. (sucks.) I couldn't bother playing for another school either, since I wasn't that interested in my sports. (basketball/skateboarding.) Took another AP class (world history.) Even passed the test, with an average 3.</p>

<p>Now, junior year rolls along. I felt much better this year. I was more sociable, all my teachers liked me, and more people liked me. I was starting to mold myself as a person and starting to figure out what I really liked. Still not done with that part yet. Just before the year started, I got interested into what now has become my favorite sport and past time - Tennis. I can honestly say that I'm more passionate about this activity than anything I've ever done. I didn't bother trying to play for another school since Junior year was a little more "rigorous" for me, and I just got started in the summer. I took three AP classes (Psychology, United States History, and English 3.) along with pre-cal, physics, earth&space science, and my other classes. I received mostly As and a couple high Bs this year. I received the A honor roll for this year. (the only award I've ever received for anything in my high school career.) people were actually surprised... haha. Also took my first SAT in march, received a 1630. Didn't study at all. </p>

<p>But still, no participation in any organizations/clubs and community service. I've done some service, but it was only for two separate weeks (freshman summer and sophomore summer.)
at a church. No leadership positions or anything like that.</p>

<p>The only things I've done this summer before senior year is take my two dual credit classes for Government and Marco-economics, at a community college for three weeks. Played Tennis everyday for an average of 2 1/2 hours, not including the time I practice by myself. I also decided to start weight lifting so I can gain more weight before the year starts. I'm passionate about exercise/nutrition in general. Still, no clubs/organizations. </p>

<p>Now, I have a plan for what I want to do Senior year. I was going to take 5 AP classes (AP-biology, AP- calculus AB, AP English 4, AP European history, AP-3D design.) and the required business classes. I also decided to play high school tennis, but there's a chance I might have to drop some classes to make time for that, not sure yet. I will also surely have a part-time job at a small tennis academy in the area. I'm also going to join a club or two since I now understand what they're all about. Instead of having an "easy" senior year like most do, I want it to be the most challenging year I've ever had. </p>

<p>But now my overall question is, how do I tackle an application when I have basically nothing to show for freshman-junior year? I'm incredibly lost. </p>

<p>Sorry if this was incredibly long/dull, and poorly constructed thread.(first thread here.) I wanted to get alot across in a short amount of time, and I haven't had breakfast yet :/</p>

<p>Help is appreciated!</p>

2

<p>If you’re applying to mostly state colleges, there shouldn’t be a problem. Most large universities don’t emphasize EC’s/volunteer activities a lot simply because they have so many applicants.</p>

<p>If you’re applying to prestigious universities such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, UC Berkeley, etc., then you have very little chance. You have to stand out in some way so that the university wants you as part of their student body. Of course, there are other factors such as interview, essays, rec letters, but having no notable EC’s or volunteer activities really hurts your chances.</p>

3

<p>Thank you for replying!</p>

<p>I’m really only looking to apply to In state Colleges anyways. I don’t want to leave Texas and don’t think I would be able to afford leaving anyways. Thanks!</p>

4

<p>Hi. i’m a parent and I just wanted to provide a few words of wisdom even though I dont have any specific advice. You sound like a great kid who should be very proud of your accomplishments, especially your upward trajectory. And congratulations on finding your passion in tennis! that will serve you well your whole life, no matter what else you do! i know an 85- year old man who pkays tennis every day. even though he has never played competitively, it is truly one of the joys of his life. i’m writing to rcommend that you NOT spend too much time on this website. it sounds like you have a good workable plan in applying to some Texas public schools. You should be focused on channeling your energy in fanning the flames of your academic interests so that maybe youll discover additional passions in addition to tennis. (or not!). But for a kid like you, on a happy upward trajectory, hanging around this website too much is sure to weigh you down. good luck!</p>

5

<p>Thank you so much! It’s great having someone that can give me some useful words of wisdom here and there, I appreciate it.
Tennis was actually not the only thing that I took an interest to that year. I had really amazing teachers Junior year who spurred my love for math,history, and science. </p>

<p>Before junior year, for example, i was never good at math. But my pre-cal teacher was so great that I ended up being one of the kids people asked for help/tutoring. I had straight As in that class :)</p>

<p>Thanks again, much appreciated!</p>

6

<p>Concur. Great job turning things around. For someone not applying to very competitive schools, your first priority should be your academics and getting yourself ready for college-level work. Extracurrics WILL NOT BE EVALUATED AT ALL by the collges you’ll be targeting. Do them if you enjoy them, don’t take away from your study/work time, if they provide stimulation and personal growth, and because they help your community. Don’t do them b/c you think they’ll advance you in college choices – they won’t. (this is a myth held by most HS students).</p>

<p>Best of luck to you.</p>

7

<p>Agree with the others, kikumaru, but I want to ask - what do you do with your summers? Those activities are extracurriculars too - including working, taking care of siblings, pursuing a personal interest in some depth. Kids hear ‘extracurriculars’ and think it means a club, an internship or something organized. It doesn’t. It means something you like to do with your spare time that you enjoy. I’ve interviewed kids who like to cook, garden, repair old cars, do photography, etc…all of these were solo activities and didn’t result in awards. But it made them fun and interesting to talk to. Don’t sell yourself short!</p>

8

<p>Well I don’t do much with my spare-time. I think I waste alot of it actually. I usually end up on the internet somewhere debating people about hot-button topics, or watching informative documentaries, or just playing video games. Very miscellaneous things, as you can see. I like to know what goes on in the world so I read alot of articles and news letters on the internet. So when i’m not playing tennis or working out, i’m doing stuff like this. I also have to feed our dog, take it for a walk, do chores, etc. I mean, these are things that alot of people I know do, so I figured I don’t “stand out,” very much. If you understand what I mean. Although I actually love to learn it’s just that I have a very bad habit of being lazy.</p>

9

<p>Don’t worry, you definitely have a chance at state schools! An upward trend in grades is always viewed positively. And it’s wonderful how you’ve found a passion for tennis and for leaning :)</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>