Okay scores, low extracurriculars - chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z College of William and Mary
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<p>I understand that Early Decision will be a boost in my chances, and my SATs and ACTs are more or less fine:</p>

<p>SAT Total: 2340 [Math: 800, Reading: 800, Writing: 740 - Essay scored an 8].</p>

<p>ACT Total: 35 [Math: 36, Reading: 36, Science: 32, English: 32 - Essay scored an 8].</p>

<p>I've taken five APs so far - 5s in US History, World History, and AB Calculus. 4s in NSL and English Language.</p>

<p>My unweighted GPA is somewhere between 3.7 and 3.8 - it's a bit murky, since my grade for chemistry class will probably be shifted up come August (the teacher forgot to excuse me for a couple of assignments that took place while I was out of the country; I did the make-up work). </p>

<p>But my list of extracurriculars is more or less on life support. I took a little more than a year of piano, and I've volunteered at my local library and pool for a couple months each (it was for SSL hours, though - I've got 135 at last count). I've also done theatre and yearbook, but I don't think those count since I chose them as classes. </p>

<p>Come Fall, I'm planning on doing an internship at a local law firm, but I'm not sure how much help that'll be, since I'll probably get in a month or two, tops, before I have to send in my application.</p>

<p>As for race and whatnot... I'm an Asian male about to start Senior Year in the Fall, born in Mainland China. Aiming for a law major. </p>

<p>My dad's told me that it's too late to worry about extracurriculars anymore, and I should put all my effort into the essay instead. Is he right?</p>

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<p>You do have a point about it being a little late…hard to establish leadership roles in a month…and to be honest, it would be pretty transparent that you are trying to beef up your application rather than a genuine interest in a group or organization. Perhaps, instead think about what is important to you aside from classes and homework. I think perhaps your bigger obstacle is not a list of activities but a lack of identifying qualities that are unique to you so that the admissions committee will think you are a positive and contributing member of the college. </p>

<p>What are you thinking of writing your essay on?</p>