<p>Oh, College Confidential, what you have done to my self esteem. Anywho. Here's the deal, I have pretty good grades, pretty good test scores, but... pretty lousy extracurriculars. And when I mean lousy, I mean, really stinking lousy.</p>
<p>I have very few extracurriculars at all, actually. Since 8th grade, I've had to babysit younger siblings because of my parents' working schedules, which prevented me from joining any sports or clubs. I babysit, and I study. That's about it. Over the summer, I tutor math through an enrichment program, I do Model UN, and I do some technology internships - but I don't think that really picks up the slack...</p>
<p>so... my question is, how screwed am I when it comes to applying to colleges (currently a Junior.) I'm looking at schools such as BU, Temple, and Bryant. The only hope I have of getting into such schools is that my GPA and SAT scores are quite a bit higher than the "average" of an incoming Freshman. (For instance, I have a 3.7 and the average GPA for Bryant is like, a 3.1ish.)</p>
<p>Your extracurriculars are just fine. Babysitting is a perfectly fine EC, not to mention you have internships under your belt. Stop being paranoid.</p>
<p>Listen to TinnyT; you’re just fine. Not everyone has the capability of devoting their time to stuff like that you’re worried you can’t show colleges. Best of luck!</p>
<p>OK you only have one problem the way I see it and that’s the need for a more positive outlook. If you have the grades and SAT scores you will have great possibilities as long as you make a plan and present yourself in the best possible light and you have PLENTY of time to do that! Share your concerns with your favorite teachers, guidance and whoever is in charge of the programs you participate in. If you frame your babysitting as having developed valuable skills in management, and a strong sense of reliability and responsibility it can be just as effective as a bunch of smaller ECs from other candidates. You could even focus your essay on this (in a Positive light not seeming resentful) sharing the life lessons you have learned. Are you thinking about studying Business?</p>
<p>Babysitting is a legit EC, especially if doing it relieves your family of any extra financial burden. It’s not what you do but how your activities are viewed in the context of your own personal circumstances.</p>
<p>You’ve had multiple internships in high school and you’re complaining?
If you’re not getting into college, I’m surprised I got into elementary school.</p>
<p>I was once at an admissions information session for a top school and the person presenting talked about somebody who had been recently admitted despite having no ECs because they needed to help work on their family farm. The admissions office viewed this as a valid reason. Just explain your situation in your essay. Either way you have some good ECs…</p>
<p>I don’t think most colleges even care that much about ECs. Just the ones where every other applicant has a 4.0 so they have to use some other means of comparison.
I don’t see why you wouldn’t get into a college with a 3.1 average GPA that probably accepts over half its applicants anyway.</p>