<p>Okay, this is going to sound pretty stupid but please read to the end before you all me an idiot.</p>
<p>The past 5 years I have been heavily involved in an online game. I was one of the top players and received multiple awards for my achievements on the game. I had extremely amazing leadership positions (if you google my game-name you'll receive several pages of info). Now, I also did game TESTING for the company and I met up with some of the designers in Los Angeles to discuss possible ways to improve the game, for which I was paid ($200 each meeting I went to). I was also heavily involved with another online site (online radio station) where I ended up being the manager and organized show times for the different people at the station. This radio station is not affiliated with the game, but the owner has strong connections at the game company and would be willing to reference and write a great letter of rec for me, should I choose to add this to my application.</p>
<p>It's probably the stupidest thing someone has asked, but I feel that this is a unique activity that I doubt many people would have on their resume, let alone could put. I have other extracurriculars (real ones!), but I was trying to think of a way where I could really stand out. I'm applying to JHU ED, UChicago EA, the UC system, and NYU. I know I'm already in to all the UC schools save for LA and Berkeley which is a bit more difficult to get into, and I've applied to Tulane University as a safety. I was thinking Chicago would like something quirky like this, but I've read JHU is Chicago without the quirkiness... Thoughts? I plan to major in the sciences, but would really like to double major (or minor) in business.</p>
<p>DEF put this. This sets you apart from the rest of the game as you have met with designers of a company to make improvements to the game - not to mention as a high schooler.
The underlying meaning behind this is that it sets you apart in terms of uniqueness, which is essential for college admissions.</p>
<p>^Either that or Greens and Yeti Crab just want you to fail miserably so they have better chances! haha jk jk.</p>
<p>I actually have some things about video games on my app as well: competed in tournaments, leadership positions, rankings, etc. It’s a competitive sport, not to mention unique in the college apps world. A lot of people play video games, but not that many are passionate towards it (i.e. travel to competitions). And out of the ones who actually are passionate, most of them don’t have the ■■■■■■■ to put it on a college app.</p>
<p>That is awesome. Seriously. While I probably wouldn’t put that down for safety schools, I’d definitely drop that in for the reaches. Very great accomplishment there.</p>
<p>And I can’t testify for the rest of the schools, but UChicago’s probably (won’t say definitely, you never know) safe with this sort of thing. I wrote one of my essays (the Common App. one) on Final Fantasy VIII and got in EA, so I don’t think you including your much more qualified gaming experience as an EC will hurt you at all.</p>
<p>Ah I had this thought today! Haven’t played in a whole lot of tournaments but for you I’m sure it’ll look interesting and unique on your Common App. Definitely put it in!</p>
<p>Haha, I play Maple Story. Not as popular as WoW, but I still think it’s pretty popular. </p>
<p>Thanks for the input guys! Lots of people I talked to laughed at me when I said I was considering putting it in, but now I’m a bit more confident about it. I think I may even write about it for Chicago since one of their prompts deal with games (YAY!) and players of these games. Now to decide whether I have a better chance at Chicago EA and if the family can afford tuition, or just do JHU ED. :)</p>