Question about ECs

Applying to College
1

Hi all,

I wanted to ask you how much certain ECs weigh, especially since I’m using them as a major selling point on my resume. I’m only going to focus on my main two, although I do have a few others.

The first one is Class President. I understand this may not seem like a big deal, but I have done it for my Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, and it has been met with great success. (Financially, we are the most successful class in our school’s history, which has also lead to us hosting more events.) Would adcoms see it as a “popularity contest”, or would they get the impression that I am actually committed to fulfilling my duty as president?

The second is NHS president. I hear frequently that NHS does not matter as much as it used to on an application, but would being the president of my chapter help? Currently we are working on an “Angel Tree” Christmas event, and a donation event for a local no-kill animal shelter. In addition, we hold weekly fundraisers to increase our budget, and again, these are events I organized.

When I assumed these roles, I wasn’t interested in putting it on my resume. I was really oblivious to the whole “college applications” thing at the time. I’m glad I’ve done these things now, but I would like to hear some feedback on how adcoms might perceive them.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to hear your feedback!

EDIT: I wanted to ask about one more. This one is “Student Advisory Board”. I meet monthly with our superintendent and other students on the board, and we discuss various events within our district and school. Some of the policies we have suggested have been implemented.

2

These are very good! And very impressive to be elected 3 years in a row! It is definitely not a popularity contest, and explain what you did as president and highlight your leadership qualities.

3

The ECs are strong (and certainly include the student advisory board) but not very unusual. But know that your ECs likely won’t get you into a school you are not otherwise academically qualified for.

4

Thank you both! I submitted my resume already, but what I presented here is basically a very summarized version of that. I thought my ECs were decent enough, but it is nice to know that they aer seen as impressive. I have others as well, but these are my main ones.

5

Student advisory board is more important than you think. Make sure to put that down.

6

I did put that town, and that’s interesting. I figured it would be a more unique EC, but I didn’t think it would be a huge deal. I was selected for the position as well, and I put that on my resume.