My main EC is filmmaking. It’s the only thing I’ve done consistently in all four years of high school and I’ve gotten some great accolades over that period. I’ve also started a film club in school, and participated in some great film-related internships. It’s something I really love and have had a great time participating in. The problem is that I don’t really want to go to a film school: the movie business is too unpredictable. I will probably apply to letters and sciences. Should I still emphasize movie-making in my application and essays? Would colleges doubt my passion for film if I’m not seeking to be part of their film school?
No, I don’t think colleges will doubt your passion. Your passion doesn’t have to line up with your education and career goals.
Think about it like this: a high school basketball player (not one good enough to be recruited) might talk about their awards, volunteering a kids’ camps, being team captain, etc. in his/her application, but that doesn’t necessarily mean s/he wants to be a professional basketball player. Playing basketball still shows commitment, team work, leadership and determination even if that person wants to major in English.
The same thing can apply to your passion for film. Go ahead an emphasize it in your application.
I had a relative who had a small part in one movie, and a large part in another movie that appeared on a national cable tv network. The movie was produced by a locally but was of such high quality that it won an award and got the national airplay. (a Hollywood-connected musician/composer provided the soundtrack, which helped)
Anyway, the relative didn’t mention his participation in these films because it was unrelated to what he wanted to major in. He was applying to a lot of ‘reachy’ schools, so I thought it was a mistake not to mention the films. In the end he got into his matches and safeties, but none of the reaches, even with stellar test scores.
Not saying this would’ve changed anything, maybe it wouldn’t, but I sure as heck would’ve used the activity to add interest to my application! He could’ve even written an essay about the experience, since a lot of time went into it and I’m sure it was interesting.
So I say go for it! Couldn’t hurt.
Having ECs only related to your major makes you look very one-dimensional.
I would mention it. It’s an interesting activity that provides some dimension to your app. Activities are valuable for more than just the topic. You gain skills by participating in them and those are what you want to highlight. Think about what you had to do to produce the films – writing, directing, editing, managing crews, scheduling, arranging for distribution, promotion – and highlight the skills you want colleges to see.
My college essays will be about music but I’m not a music major! be authentic, how many kids do you think will be writing about their film ec? probably not too many
You’re overthinking this. My kiddo’s main EC was a sport that is only a club level sport in college. Does the fact that she didn’t want to major in something sports related mean she should have minimized her EC in HS? You’re fine. Colleges want you to be able to thrive across a college curriculum – not having already planned your life and career choice at 17 years old. You’ll do fine.
I agree…if you want to major in English, emphasize the writing that goes into film.
If business, emphasize how you came up with funding or worked with distributors or did advertising for it or managed your crew.