<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am going into my sophomore year of high school. My dream school is Stanford. I have the grades to get in, but i have found it hard to plan my EC's. I am trying to be productive this summer (Sat prep, volunteer, etc.), but I am not sure what the best thing to do is. I was wondering how important volunteer work really is. Do colleges care about hours or where you volunteered to get those hours? Also, i was wondering what the best way to study for the SAT would be for this summer. Is it too early to go to prep classes? Any advice of how to have a productive summer?? </p>
<p>Thanks :) </p>
<p>
Why?</p>
<p>College applications won’t ask how many volunteer hours you have (though some scholarship applications might, and they might be required to graduate from your high school). Your ECs can involve community service, but they don’t have to. The Common App will ask you to list each of your ECs (up to ten) and an estimate of how much time you spend on each one. Colleges care about ECs that show focus, dedication, commitment, and accomplishment. The specifics of your activities (e.g., where you volunteered) don’t matter as much. </p>
<p>The best way to study for standardized tests is to take practice tests. Prep classes are useful for some people, but I think most people on here have high enough starting scores that they don’t need them and would be better off just using a prep book. You might benefit from a prep class if your current scores are really low, though. </p>
<ol>
<li>Find books and start looking into prep classes for the SAT. It’s not necessarily too early. You know what kind of student you are and can determine how you can best prepare for the test.</li>
<li> Volunteer. Community involvement is important. Try to build up hours and take on a leadership role wherever you volunteer.</li>
<li>Get involved in ECs. Find a sport or club you could join. Most tryouts for high school sports, band practices etc, start soon. You can also get involved in art classes or other activities. See what your local rec center offers and find something you are passionate about.<br></li>
<li>Look for other opportunities to stand out. Can you find a job, start your own business, practice your writing skills and submit to a local publication?
Im glad you are looking early- now is the best time to find what you are passionate about and start to take part in activities that demonstrate you are a well rounded individual Just be sure to have some fun too :)<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks for the advice!</p>