<p>Can you present theme in your ECs? For example, are they related to one area such as arts, service, etc.? I don’t know if achievement always matters. My son, for example, was able to group his activities into theater and music. He also did French camps in the summer including a 3 week stay in Switzerland with a family. He studied French through AP so he as able to show an interest in this even though he didn’t win any kind of awards or anything. His activities reflected his interests and passions. </p>
<p>My other son loved doing outdoor activities. Pretty much the only thing on his resume related to Scouts culminating in getting his Eagle. He spend his summers at camps that allowed him to pursue his passion. He didn’t have anything else on his resume other than music lessons all through high school. His essay was about being in a thunderstorm while backpacking at 11,000 ft. above sea level. Both sons were accepted to top schools with nice scholarships. </p>
<p>I think schools want to see that you have interests, whatever they are, rather than just a collection of clubs or activities that you seem to be involved in just to put them on your resume. Find connections in your activities and tie them together either on your resume or in your essay.</p>