<p>So I know that a lot of places want to see leadership/standout ECs beyond the typical NHS, hours of community service and such. I was wondering about an activity which I probably consider my standout EC. Hopefully it won't count as being too academic, because it did involve a significant afterschool time commitment. I was captain of my schools Quiz Bowl team, who this year ended up winning the district championship among a very competitive district, with one school possessing an IB program and all. My leadership role was actually very significant, especially during the district tournament. There was one instance where going into the final round, our team was down quite a bit against the aforementioned IB school. Just as I had done throughout the year, I helped them keep composure and momentum in order to pull through that match. However, I don't believe that simply listing this EC on the common app would highlight the amount of dedication and commitment (extra studying of practice questions, researching information) that I have put towards it, nor would the leadership aspect be highlighted. I've also become truly passionate about it, even though I was very hesitant to even join the team my freshman year. Since I really have nothing comparable in terms of leadership/ECs, would this experience with Quiz Bowl be a good topic to write an essay on?</p>
<p>If you felt strong emotional attachment to the organization and the match, then yes, your essay will be very captivating indeed. (Just from your short description above, I can tell that it was extremely important to you!) However, this essay completely depends on how you write it. If you write it very generically, then it’ll be like thousands (or tens of thousands) of other essays on such topics.</p>
<p>You can do it–it’ll just take a lot of time and dedication.</p>
<p>I especially like how this article describes writing essays: [Applying</a> to College – Step 4: The Application and Essays- Nerld Blog](<a href=“http://www.nerld.com/blog/2011/07/09/applying-to-college-step-4-the-application-and-essays/#essays]Applying”>http://www.nerld.com/blog/2011/07/09/applying-to-college-step-4-the-application-and-essays/#essays)</p>
<p>Good luck!! 
Let us know how it goes.</p>
<p>Thanks! Appreciate the consideration! I can even send it to you once I finish it if you’d like, since I do plan on getting out at least a rough draft pretty soon. And another question: I know there’s a space for short description of one of your ECs, but I don’t think I can really sum this up in 150 words or fewer. I’d rather save that for an EC with a significant story behind it, but less so. Is it common for people to write about an EC for their long essay?</p>
<p>Is it common? Well… that’s very difficult to measure. I don’t know if I’m equipped to answer that question, maybe someone else can shed light. However, I do know that if you write about your EC in an extraordinary, unique, and specific way, then you don’t even have to worry about that. Believe in yourself! :)</p>
<p>I’d be more than happy to read your rough draft. Feel free to send it to me.</p>