<p>I've always had a question about EC's that a student decides to become involved in during the latter part of HS (i.e. beginning in 11th or 12th grade). Obviously those who join up 20 clubs their senior year will be regarded with suspicion, but what about the kids who didn't have such EC opportunities until junior or senior year?</p>
<p>For example, I'm considering helping in a university research lab over the summer before senior year (next year). I'm not suddenly doing this for the hell of stuffing EC's into the last part of HS, I just never knew HSers could actually participate in stuff like this until recently. I have a genuine interest in math/sci, and I'm worried that doing something like this so late in HS would be viewed as mere app padding. Help?</p>
<p>It is situations like this that are the most clear cut. No one really does work in a university research lab in 9th grade, joining in 11th is already ahead of the game, you’ll be fine. There’s a difference between joining a research lab and joining an EC club.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. I’d be worried about most freshman doing work in a research lab, anyways. Plus, doesn’t it seem a little silly to join something you actually WANT to do, even though it’s impressive, because it might look bad?</p>
<p>It does seem silly, but I don’t want an admissions officer to look at my app and say “Oh, only did this senior year? Must’ve been desperate to cram in a few extra activities before applying.”</p>
<p>Oh I completely understand what you’re thinking - I was more just commenting on how ridiculous the college process has gotten that doing something you actually like may not be viewed as a good thing. Crazy, huh?</p>
<p>You need to contact the professor/dept head and ask if you can help. They probably don’t care much about your stats, just the fact that you’re interested.</p>