<p>I'm going to be applying to colleges in the Ivy League. I have some other good EC's including some international awards for a business club, but I dedicate a significant amount of time towards online poker. I'm guessing colleges might think it's fatuous or silly, and look at it as "gambling." Which technically it is, but it really becomes more about technical strategy once you get into it. What I do resembles high frequency trading strategies developed on my own. To ensure anonymity, I'm not going to say my name. But I'm a top online poker pro, and have managed to generate a 350% return in the past 2 years, about 175% a year annualized. I really feel like I'm not doing myself any favors by being remiss to mentioning something I've put so much effort into fine-tuning my skills in.. Also, I'll be sure to stipulate in my app that it's merely a hobby and not something I think is a reliable source of income..</p>
<p>I would not mention this.</p>
<p>It’s an interesting question.You, of all people, should realize that your college admissions essay should be strategic to some extent. We also see students who say they will they would not be representing their true selves by not talking about depression or eating disorders but I think those are risky topics and maybe not the best to include. I wonder if they will wonder if you have a gambling problem.</p>
<p>If you do include it, I’d think you would want to be sure there is an essay about and reveal yourself to be an interesting thinker. Because at first blush I don’t think it would be seen as a plus, although I’m sure it isn’t the only time someone has mentioned this hobby/income source.</p>
<p>Previous similar question asked on CC, there are other threads too
<a href=“Poker as an essay topic. - College Essays - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-essays/753589-poker-as-an-essay-topic.html</a></p>
<p>Here is an interesting guy who made his living online poker for a time. It is interesting because you can see how his accomplishments are related.
<a href=“Nate Silver - Wikipedia”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Silver</a></p>
<p>My dad is a poker player, and from watching him, I realized that it’s not all luck. There is a substantial amount of skill involved, and I know that it can be really, really difficult.</p>
<p>That being said, I think (if it is written correctly), it could make for a really interesting essay. Not many people play poker as a teen (and are good), and it looks like it’s a big part of your life. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t mention it as an EC, but I would write an essay (maybe not my CA one, but definitely in some supplements) if I were you.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if this is something to consider, but your post makes it seem like you started playing online poker before you turned 18, which I believe is illegal. I don’t know if that’s something you would want in your essay. </p>
<p>I would definitely mention it, so long as you mention concrete numbers ($$$). </p>
<p>What BrownParent said. I think the poker strategy thing would make a great essay. Don’t focus on the winning, focus on how you developed your strategies and the trading strategy angle. </p>
<p>FOR SURE mention it. That makes you stand out from all of the drones and their arconym clubs. </p>
<p>Why don’t you call it “high frequency trading” and let the admissions committee speculate if it could be online poker…</p>
<p>Ignore all comments on this question from persons who are not adults. As an adult, I advise you not to mention this on your college application. It is highly likely that the adult admissions officials who read your application will not consider this to be positive at all.</p>
<p>No, I wouldn’t. It’s a great skill, but first thing that pops into my mind is “gambling”.
Plus, you say you spend a “significant amount of time” to it does not sound positive in my eyes. An addiction is more like it.</p>
<p>The OP joined the forum this year with the username CandyPants16. Does that mean his age is 16? If so, there are legal complications beyond just UIGEA. I am not aware of any online website that permits underage persons to play for money. If there are legal issues, do not mention it. If there are not legal issues, and you can explain it sufficiently to show that you are using complex strategies to successfully gain a mathematical edge rather than gambling with the odds against you (success defined by specific numerical results and/or rankings), I’d expect it to enhance your application and help you stand out from the tens of thousands of other qualified applicants. However, without such an explanation, some will have a negative reaction, as seen by comments in this thread.</p>