<p>Another good point Halcyon! But I do think the OP is being too hard on themselves over ECs. They stated that they have tons of regret and self-disappointment over it. If college apps are pushing yourself in a good way, that’s great, but no one should stress it so much that it is harming their self-image or mental health. Plus, the OP sounded like they wanted some comfort that their college plans aren’t completely in the toilet due to not having ECs. And absolutely not! I’m sure the OP will still do great, even without the ECs.</p>
<p>I’m just like you! Although I realized EC’s were important, I never did anything spectacular. And now I just feel overwhelmed with how mediocre I am ):
Additionally, I’m super sheltered. Middle-class, lives in the suburbs, there hasn’t been a high point in my life so far.
I feel like college admissions officers - complete strangers, mind you - don’t have the right to determine such an important point in our lives after skimming our life histories condensed into one application and a few essays in a couple of minutes.</p>
<p>AGGH.
I needed to rant as much as you did.</p>
<p>Guys, it’s been a year and I just want to say, I was stressing out over nothing.
Looking back, I put my time into one thing that I really loved and am getting acceptances from everywhere that I have applied (so far).
Junior year was a dark time for me…</p>
<p>I feel the same way. Although I’m still a freshman and still have plenty of opportunities to do the amazing extracurriculars, I’m completely lost and don’t know where to start. I’ve taken the initiative and gotten involved in clubs, but I honestly think the hunt for prestigious awards and whatnot is a bit overwhelming.</p>
<p>Same situation for me, I’m in Sophomore year yet I haven’t done any clubs or EC’s other than Upward Bound and Water Polo. I’m afraid that by the time I apply for colleges they will see that I have only done clubs for one year since I apply early senior year. Gonna try to do extra clubs Junior year and get into a hobby. I’m starting to get into Astronomy, maybe that will help.</p>
<p>lol, you’re not alone. I’m a junior, and all the clubs that I’m in I joined this year… which means I won’t get leadership positions till senior year. </p>
<p>I’m thinking about creating a club that I can get leadership position in, maybe Science Olympiad or a science based club that I can get leadership position in. </p>
<p>I can say that I am in a similar situation – just that my rant would pertain to getting elected club offices and appealing to employers as it doesn’t end with college admissions. And I have to compete against time with the fact that graduation for me is sooner than… the average engineer. </p>
<p>Well congratulations on your acceptances 
Advice is to take what you learned in high school and apply it to the fresh start in college! I recommend jumping on the opportunities that come early (I’ve already missed out on a few big ones because I didn’t go for them).</p>