No in-school ECs?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm a rising junior, and I figure that this is the best time to plan out next year. Anyway, here's a list of my ECs right now:</p>

<p>Guitar- I am in four jazz ensembles (a lot, I know, but hey, I love it)- one of which is EXTREMELY selective (20 guitarists auditioned, I got in). I have also been taking classical guitar lessons for several years and I've gotten awards from several competitions. This summer I'm going to Spain to study classical guitar for two weeks. In addition to all this, I am a rocker at heart; I play lead and sing for a rock band which plays shows regularly (we make about 300-400 per gig, probably once a month) and we're signed.</p>

<p>Behavioral Neuroscience- This is what I want to pursue as my career. I have interned with several professors (all from the same department). I help work the fMRI machines and other types of imaging and I have assisted them in their own research. I have done research with this group of professors before and my projects have been successful in science fairs. Next year I hope to make ISEF and the year after, Siemens and Intel STS. My main mentor is the head of the psych department at an Ivy League university, and I work with him a lot.</p>

<p>ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Association- I volunteer with patients here and organize fund raisers. I'm the only high school student here and I will probably be offered a leadership position. There's somewhat of a weird story as to why I joined this organization, if you wanna hear it, let me know. I have 200 or so hours with this.</p>

<p>Hospital Volunteering- I volunteer in the Diagnostic Radiology department in the hospital, separate from the research facilities that I work with. I assist with the imaging technology. I'm one of the few chosen "Leaders" and I help organize events and stuff. About 150 to 200 hours here right now.</p>

<p>And that's really it. My school has awful support for clubs- 10 people sign up on Club Day and maybe two of them show up regularly. Thus, starting my own club just seems impractical..</p>

<p>Is this going to hurt me? Should I join a club at my high school just for the sake of it? I'm thinking that, for fun, I could just join the Ultimate Frisbee club at my school. A lot of my friends do it and they host/attend tournaments, so that would definitely be fun. Plus I've attended practices before and I've done well at them.</p>

<p>As far as academic clubs go, should I join one or two of those too? I'm thinking either Math Team or Debate. Math Team because, well, I'm Indian. And it would also show my skill in and passion for science and neurology if I did well in math competitions. And Debate would be just to seem more well rounded? Or would that just seem like a resume-padding activity? Oh btw, for Math I'm sure I could get a leadership position by 12th grade. Debate, maybe.</p>

<p>For those who don't want to read my huge rant:
I'm involved heavily in behavioral neurology/psychology. I volunteer with organizations that fight neurological diseases, volunteer at such places in hospitals, assist professors with their own research, and do my own research. In addition, I love music and guitar with a passion. But I don't do anything in school because frankly my school sucks. Should I join the Math Team or Debate Team just for the heck of it? I'll do well in both, hopefully get leadership positions, and I'll probably enjoy myself because I can get friends to join too.</p>

<p>What do you guys think?</p>

2

<p>Your ECs are fine. Only join the clubs if you like them and want to.</p>

3

<p>Agree with the above. Your EC’s are fine…if not more stellar than usual (guitar, that’s freaking awesome)</p>

4

<p>I also agree with the former posters. The thought of joining clubs just to pad the CoA makes me cringe; dedicate your time to activities that matter and are enjoyable to you!</p>

<p>PS: As someone two years your senior with a neuromuscular disease, I really appreciate seeing a HS student who is so cognizant of neurologic diseases!</p>

5

<p>Thanks everyone. I think that I’ll join Ultimate Frisbee next year along with trying out the Math Team; I’m good at math (AP BC next year), what could it hurt?</p>

<p>Foghorn: Thanks a bunch. And good luck with everything regarding your disease.</p>

6

<p>why not? Of course, in the math team, you’ve got to be nerdy enough to enjoy doing math tests for fun!! I was in the math team and did some national stuff, so I know…</p>

7

<p>Never do something just because you think it would look good on a college application. True, colleges like seeing that you are involved inside your school community, but if there’s not much of a community, don’t force yourself. Colleges want to see you follow your passions. If you play guitar, maybe get involved in your school’s music program or something. In school ECs are not necessary. Just do what YOU want to do.</p>

8

<p>Also, it might seem weird why you didn’t join until now.</p>

9

<p>If you want to do the math team and stuff, then do it. Don’t do it to try and impress. Besides, your ECs look amazing from where I’m standing.</p>

10

<p>Colleges want to see you pursue your passion the most. Being involved in the school community is just another thing that they would LIKE to see based on your EC’s since they want applicants to be involved in the college community if accepted. but it’s alot more important to pursue your passions.</p>

11

<p>Ah alright, thanks everyone. Chances are I’ll be doing NHS too, as my school is a joke and it isn’t selective. Hopefully that coupled with Frisbee and possibly Math will be enough.</p>

<p>And no, I’m not doing them SOLELY for colleges. =P Well NHS, yeah, but who doesn’t?</p>

12

<p>Lol Same haha I’m doing NHS just for the heck of it since the only EC I have next to that and it’s of school is Art Society.</p>