Question about EC lists

<p>Is it well-advised to give some depth to EC lists? Do successful applicants write small paragraphs or a few sentences to explain the EC's? Do admission committees see this as unnecessary or over-the-top?</p>

<p>Most everyone admits that quality over quantity is the best way to present ECs, and I realize that leadership, duration, and creativity all show this. However, most applicants have the familiar ECs, such as science club, [some language] club, etc., but wish to show that their ECs were of value. How do they do this outside of the essays?</p>

<p>One of the How-to-get-into-college books that I read showed what I thought was a great spreadsheet form for EC lists that makes it possible to give a little more information, along with showing years done, hours spent, etc. We used that form for our younger son's EC's, and it seemed to work well.</p>

<p>If you PM or email me your email address, I would be glad to send you a copy of my son's list, so you can see how it works.</p>

<p>Do admission committees receive extra information receptively, or reluctantly? Are they hostile to stuff like EC lists?</p>

<p>It probably depends upon the college. I've never heard of them being actually hostile to such things. (Just remembered one exception: As I recall the Stanford application specifically said NOT to send any extra information.) I think if a college doesn't say not to include an EC list, you may include it. If they aren't interested, they will just ignore it.</p>

<p>Yeah. I just feel that for most top-tier colleges, ECs are just as integral to the application as GPA and SAT, so there is a need for stressing ECs above and beyond what is required by the application. Furthermore, just listing my top 5 or 7 ECs in the Common Application seems like understating years and years of hard work in a given area of passion.</p>

<p>I think that the guiding principle for giving extra info regarding an ec is whether it details something that the adcoms wouldn't assume without that info, eg. leadership, a special type of contribution or recognition, an unusual degree of committment, or a need to describe the ec because they wouldn't be likely to be familiar with it.</p>

<p>Actually, not just top-tier colleges. Small LAC's are also looking for those "passionate" students. Even more important if you don't have the stats, but can show that you still have a lot to offer.</p>

<p>I think a good way to show this is to choose one the people that do your recommendations to be knowledgeable about your EC's and can speak to them. At my son's HS, the students fill out a detailed questionaire to help their teachers that do the rec's know more about them. We parents are also encouraged to do a parents recommendation that goes to those teachers.</p>

<p>Yes, do include an activity resume with brief annotations. The little chart on the application is often not adequate in truly showing the depth of the involvement or the accomplishments or roles you had in the activity. You can still fill out the chart but also write "see enclosed activity/award list". The passion for your activities can be shown in an annotated "resume", as well as in the essays or recommendations. My kids sent annotated activity "resumes" with all their applications as do the students who I counsel. Really show yourself in this document.
Susan</p>