<p>Hi:-),</p>
<p>I'm an 8th grader from the UK and I have my eyes set upon university in the USA, I prefer the system there as I would rather take a variety of different classes than specialise in one subject for a year. Basically my question is; I have good grades and I don't think I'll find the SAT too hard when it comes to taking it but I know that EC's are a large part of the admission process and my problem is, as I see it there are a lot more opportunities to take part in EC's in America, not only do you have a large number of clubs in your high schools, but you have thousands of internships, summer programs, competitions, and other EC's that give you that extra boost. This is extremely different over here, as our University admission is entirely based around grades, we aren't given as many opportunities as I feel necessary to get into a school like Columbia, or any of the other Ivy Leagues. I try and exceed in area's I'm passionate about, but I still worry that a lack of EC's will hurt my chances. Can you give insight on this, do I have anything to be genuinely worried about or am I being paranoid.</p>
<p>Btw, my EC's aren't awful so far I have done stuff like
Studied Mandarin for 3 years-attending a school on saturday
Studied Russian for a year-self studying
(I also do German but that's a curricular thing)
Attended World Cinema club for 3 years</p>
<p>Started the Human Rights Club-Writing letters for Amnesty International, and every 6 weeks
holding a fundraiser. </p>
<p>Form Captain
Charity Rep
Student Council</p>
<p>Can you give any advice (preferably off accepted International students) :-) thank you</p>