<p>For my junior year, I was elected as president of my school's Spanish Club. However, though I really enjoy Spanish and was an active member of the club my first two years in high school, I have no interest in majoring in Spanish. In fact, I plan on majoring in science, my true passion, and though I have many science ec's, I was wondering if I should give up the presidency position to focus on my science ec's since they relate directly to my major. </p>
<p>Basically, I am asking if the strongest ec's are those that relate to one's major. Thanks!</p>
<p>No. Colleges don’t expect a 14 or 15 year old to have evaluated their life’s path. Do ECs that interest you. </p>
<p>Plus the huge majority of collegians switch majors – so a 17 year old’s stated major is basically worthless in terms of evaluating your for admission.</p>
<p>The fact that you seem to genuinely enjoy Spanish club frankly, is a good thing to convey. the fact that you’re not some single-dimensional science wonk is a good thing. Ever thought about that?</p>
<p>Should most of one’s EC’s be related to one’s potential major? Because I’ve heard many people in different threads talking about how the most impressive EC’s are those that show focus. I plan on applying to mainly top 20 schools. Thanks!</p>
<p>Focus? You said you have multiple science related ECs – but you’re also gifted enough leadership-wise and socially to be the president of the Spanish club. That sounds like a plus – not a watering down of your science strengths.</p>
<p>THink about it from the side of the admissions officers: </p>
<p>applicant A: super science ECs. Seemingly little concern for anything else
applicant B: super science ECs but socially viable enough and caring enough to lead another serious club.</p>
<p>Who is going to add strengths to your college campus in your opinion. I’ll take “B” every time.</p>
<p>Thanks! Any other opinions? Keep in mind that though most of my ec’s are science, I also do many hours of community service work, so I would not really be showing “little concern for anything else.”</p>
<p>Dchenfire, my opinion is, listen to T26E4. You don’t need any other opinions!</p>
<p>Partly, this is because T26E4 really knows a lot about admissions at highly selective colleges and universities. Partly, it is because “other opinions” may come from people who just make stuff up. Mostly, it’s because T26E4 is exactly right.</p>
<p>Of course, following T26E4’s advice doesn’t necessarily mean you can get into Princeton (or Yale or Stanford or whatever it is that you’re aiming at). Getting into Princeton is just too darn unpredictable. But it is the right way to approach both high school and college admissions.</p>
<p>This seems to be a misconception of those applying to Ivies, etc…it appears to me (after having gone through this with two children) that the two qualities of EC’s that impress colleges are: 1) leadership within the EC 2) Excellence within the EC</p>
<p>Well, I guess a better question to ask is, which is better: Having leadership positions and commitment solely in one’s main passion (and potential major), or having a diverse array of leadership positions and commitment in many different fields, all that one enjoys but is not as passionate about?</p>
<p>Leadership in an EC doesn’t just mean a leadership title- especially of it’s for a do-little club. You can also show leadership through the way you tackle various issues around you. Same for responsibility.</p>
<p>Ivies do expect you will push yourself in activities related to your probable major- STEM kids should do research or vol at a hospital, maybe do the math and science bowls, robotics club, etc. But, you need to show you can do more than just focus on your own interests or possible future. There should be a balance that includes what you do for the group (clubs, school-related activities, church or your culture) and simply for others- comm service or volunteering. Top colleges need kids who will thrive outside the classroom, labs, library. You show much about your maturity, judgment, energy- and impact- through your ECs.</p>
<p>Often kids get wrapped up in the advice from other high schoolers to cut out everything except “passion.” Don’t omit the music/performances, sports, mentoring or tutoring, organizing, representing, etc. Show adcoms what a great, engaged, able and concerned guy you are. I also see apps.</p>