Should I leave out ECs to make app seem focused?

<p>Hi everyone. I have a question about how I should present my ECs on my Common App, in my interview, etc. For the most part, I have good ECs (average on CC). The thing is, I have a couple of ECs that don't really fit with my app. Most of my stuff is in a few areas. But I did school leadership that was required. I spent a lot of time doing it, and I had interesting experiences doing it. But it doesn't really make sense with my other stuff.</p>

<p>I want to put all of my ECs on there (I have room). I want to give colleges a full, honest depiction of who I am. Can I still put it on there? Or should I leave it off to make me look more focused?</p>

<p>If you spent a lot of time doing it, and had interesting experiences, I would definitely put it. School leadership is great.</p>

<p>It doesn’t matter whether it “fits” with your other activities. Colleges aren’t trying to find people who narrowly focused on a few interests. Diversity is good. Though, if possible, try to emphasize a few specific areas of interest.</p>

<p>However, listing a leadership activity won’t detract from that emphasis.</p>

<p>I also would advocate putting all legit ECs in the app. See, if you emphasize only the ones you think are most relevant (either in themselves or to your future plans,) you miss the chance to show the breadth of your activities. Make a judgment call on what’s legit versus some one-shot nice thing you did.</p>

<p>Thanks, I agree with you people.</p>

<p>Yes, you should leave out ECs to make your app more focused, but not if those ECs were valuable experiences that involved significant time input.</p>

<p>Good point glassesarechic. My leadership did have some valuable experiences and I definitely put a lot of time in. So I think I will leave it in there.</p>

<p>As other posters have already advised, leave out any trivial unrelated activities, but include major (albeit unrelated) activities.</p>

<p>Okay, thanks for the help.</p>