Large state schools like Rutgers, Temple, University of Delaware, Penn State and UConn are all about the grade and test score algorithm and NOT about the extra curricular things you did in high school (unless they are recruiting you as an athlete). In a smaller school or a private university the college is all about building a balanced cohesive class so they want to get to know the whole person. Not so for larger state schools. They just want to know your grades and test scores so they can determine whether you can handle the academic rigor and succeed there. Not to say that EC’s and Essay don’t matter at all to state schools. They are considered. But they aren’t anywhere near as heavily weighted as they would be at a private university, like say Fordham. Same with volunteer work. By all means, include it when asked but please understand that it isn’t likely to offset poor grades or low SATs. Your mileage may vary but I have spent the last two years listening to the spiels of various counselors from both private and public colleges large and small and the bottom line has been very consistent: If your heart is set on a large state school focus on your grades and test scores. Don’t go nuts padding your resume with EC’s and don’t expect any EC to offset a weak record. Just do the EC’s you are truly passionate about. And, sorry if this sounds harsh, but if you are posting in a large state school forum and asking us to chance you, just list your GPA, scores and rank. Don’t say “My GPA is 2.9 but I am the president of the Latin club.” No. Your GPA is 2.9.