<p>I'm a sophomore, and I'm trying to figure out what EC's I should focus on and what I want to give up, keeping college applications in mind.
I've been dancing for thirteen years, take 10 hours of classes a week (I would take more but we can't afford it) and I auditioned for and made my studio's performing company last year, and I'll try out again in October. I'm a TA in a couple of lower level classes and I've subbed a couple times for the teachers. We're not a competition school so I don't have any flashy awards to show for it, and we're not a feeder school for professional companies by any means, but I've gotten to be very good over the years. I've been doing this basically my whole life and it's the one thing I'm most passionate about, hands down.
I applied and was accepted into the Student Ambassadors last year and I eventually want to run for a position as an Ambassador Officer. We give tours to prospective students and alumni and work at the auctions and other school events; basically we're representatives of the school. Again, there are no awards or anything to show for this, but I love it because I get to meet new people and show off my school pride in a way other than sports.
I went to Psychology Club off and on as a freshmen, but since I've become very interested in psychology over the summer I think I'm going to start consistently going and get more involved, maybe even become an officer my senior year. I'm also a proud member of the Harry Potter Club :P
At first I thought it would look good to colleges if I joined JSA, but it's just not my thing. Colleges won't be impressed if I'm not really into it, right?
I've volunteered at a food bank every Saturday morning since 8th grade, and in the summers I volunteer at a day camp for special needs kids. I love, love, love doing the camp; the kids are so inspiring to me and I've learned so much by working with them. I might even want to do something working with special needs children as a career. Between these two I'll have hundreds of service hours by the time I'm a senior.
So, what do you all think? I know I have lots of time, but as of right now, would you consider me to have "strong" or "weak" EC's? The thing is, I know some kids are star athletes, win national awards at debate contests or science fairs, do scientific research or invented something, but I'm not passionate about any of that! All of my EC's are things that I really love and have no problem focusing on. So if I can make that come through in my college app's when it's time, do you think I'm set? Or what else should I do?</p>
<p>The nature of the EC isn’t as important as showing excellence & leadership through it.</p>
<p>My #1 recomendation is that you should join the “I Use Paragraphs Club” ASAP. You will find it very useful, and anyone reading your future essays will thank you for it.</p>
<p>You could also consider dropping dance and becoming a wide receiver with 4.0 speed, if you REALLY want a quality EC. </p>
<p>Srsly - Do what you like, and enjoy it. That is what a good EC is. If a college doesn’t want you for what YOU like to do, it’s not a good fit, so look for one that also likes what you do.</p>
<p>nugraddad is right. Don’t ever do an EC just because it will look good on an application. Do what you love to do. The rest will take care of itself.</p>
<p>Nugraddad, I did try to use paragraphs but I typed it on my phone and the formatting got all messed up…it’s the thought that counts, right? :P</p>
<p>But thanks everyone for all your input, and you’re totally right. I was just freaking out for a minute because I’m not a Nationally Commended Debate Team Superstar or whatever. But I suppose if everyone was, then that wouldn’t be anything special would it?</p>