So I see it all the time in chance posts…“You have a stereotypical profile” or “Nothing in your application really stands out”
Although I’m only a sophomore, I feel like I fit in one of these labels. I have great grades, good test scores, and pretty normal ECs. Does anyone have any competitions, programs, or even internships that would boost my ECs?
Thanks
ECs are supposed to be your interests. They say something about who you are, what you value, and how you like to spend your time. So no one here can tell you what you should do. Perhaps you are already doing such things. Do you have out of school interests like skateboarding or collecting things? Do you do activities with a church group? Maybe consider an internship or program based on your interests, NOT just something that will look good.
Some elite summer programs such as RSI and TASP.
Thanks, some of those are new to me, so I’ll look into them! @Anonymoose3
@Snarlatron yup, my current EC’s are my interests. This thread is specifically for padding stats lol. Yes I know it’s very shallow, but for example, I would love to attend TASP (I wouldn’t really consider it an interest?)
Check out “How to be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport.
Will do, thanks @bopper
Something that makes you stand out is being yourself. Be an individual with great academics and a strong passion. It doesn’t really matter what that passion is. Never blend into a crowd. Whether that crowd is a bunch of STEM Robotics people at a Siemens event or a bunch of football players, be yourself and in your application and essay, show that you are a person.
But there’s another problem. I don’t really have one passion. I love the sport I play, I love math, I love writing, and I love food (lolol) but is there one thing I dedicate my time to? No. @TheDidactic
Well you don’t have to have just one passion. Sports, math, writing all are great things to be into. I play soccer, enjoy writing and have won some insignificant awards for it, volunteer at a summer camp, and work as a staff member for a website. They all make you who you are.
It doesn’t have to be something extraordinary. It can be anything that you value & love, so if you love math write about it! It will definitely stand out from all those “sport” essays. For example, I wrote one of my personal statement on a hobby many deem as bad, but I explained how I love it no matter what! (Skateboarding)
You love writing? Dedicate yourself to it and seek publication! Join or start a writing group (taking an active role). Participate in public readings. Make yourself known throughout your writing community. 
“Passion” is overrated.
Ok, I mean, a lot depends on where you might apply. The more competitive the college, the less this is about how you love to collect figurines or bake pie. Even if that’s “who you are,” it’s not really a basis for a college admit. (Where it works can be in the essay, depending on how you present it.)
So I found this, from you: “I’m ranked 1 out of 500+, play a varsity sport, actively contribute to multiple clubs and hold a summer internship.” Despite the exuberance among high school posters in declaring this stereotypical, it’s a fine start. See if you can increase the internship responsibilities- and where’s the comm service, the sort where you actually roll up your sleeves? Look for ways to take on responsibilities that matter and have some impact. Grow in your thinking, so you can write nice essays.
Chance posts are typically written by other kids just like you, aren’t they?
A college admissions officer might just see something that other kids online might not.
There are over 500 kids graduating from my school this year. (And our freshman class is over 600.) Not every kid is going to be a superstar, the kind that every teacher knows. (In fact, every year at graduation, there are several who receive diplomas that I swear I’ve never ever seen.)
Instead of looking to add EC’s, work on doing your best at the ones you already enjoy. Let that be your strength-- your devotion and improvement at the EC’s you love. Far better to be great at a few than to pad your application with something that any admissions officer can see right through.
I see this as two fold. One question is with my ECs and interests can I do something different? You can brainstorm a bit and see if there is a way to do that. Such as combining some interests together to create something new, or became member of an organization or group you did not thought before etc… This might or might not work,. Depends on luck (and timing). But it is a nice exercise to look around you and get more aware of how you can use your talents. It has to be fun after all!
The second question is: Without change anything how can I present what I do in the most powerful way? I am not talking about exaggerating and bragging but rather finding a way to show who you are in a clear way. Make your app, essay, short answers etc coherent and “spell out” the type of person you are. For example you might be very organized and efficient, or have a unique aesthetic view or you always come with new funny ideas, whatever that is that you can think of yourself try to weave it through. And avoid using the word “passion”.
I feel what the OP is really looking for are examples of things that may ‘stand out’.
Although I don’t know many, here are some I came across:
Well, if you need examples, here it is from Cornell’s website (engineering school).
Nationally Ranked Debater
Tech Coordinator for ESPN
White House Educator Award
US & Japan Ranked Chess Player
Played Piano at Carnegie Hall
Built Dune Buggy
Creator and Editor of Online Magazine
Zoo Camp Counselor
Youngest Trainer of Guidedogs in NYC
In Magic Club
Plays the Flugelhorn
Flier in Civil Air Patrol
Gymnastics State Champion
NASA’s Women in STEM High School Aerospace Program
Pharmacology Research @ Weill Medical College
Helicopter Flight Training and License
Certified Scuba Diver
Race Car Driver
American Chemistry Olympiad Finalist
Started a 3D Printing Company
Wow thanks everyone! Got a ton of nice info from all the replies.
@am9799 @determined2300 @bjkmom @lookingfoward @Lily1985 @JoseMoya @TheDidactic