What sort of ECs do Ivies like to see? Given the selectivity and prestige of Ivies, credentials such as GPA and test scores are areas where most applicants all excel at, leaving essays and ECs to tell the colleges a good deal more about the individual applicant. Currently, I’m in National Honors Society, a captain of Science Olympiad, and an editor in our school’s civil rights club. I’ve volunteered in hospitals throughout my summer, and I’m also the President of our school’s Chinese Cultural club. Although I’ve committed countless hours to these ECs, every time I write about them, they sound terribly superficial. Are these ECs substantial enough to apply to an Ivy with?
It’s hard to tell you exactly what ECs they like to see but it would go along the lines of club/leadership, community involvement, productive summers (research, internships), winning competitions/distinctions for pursuits, and that ‘wow’ factor like starting a non-profit, business, etc. As of now they’re not too strong - they’re a little scattered and lacking some breadth. I would check the results thread to give you a better idea of a strong candidate.
The question about impressive EC’s comes up regularly on the forum. There is a thread with several posts by Northstarmom, a Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs from the point of view of the most selective colleges. The post is at http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html
As you will see from that link, at the most selective colleges they are looking for depth more than just participation. Stanford, for example, says
You do not have to be an Intel Finalist nor find the cure to cancer to get accepted. Most kids who pursue what they enjoy and find interesting are doing it less for where to get in, and more for who they are. Maybe your essays sound terribly superficial for a reason that has to do with putting the cart before the horse.
Colleges like to see that you are participating in your community and have passions outside of academics. I think your problem is that a lot of the activities you do are activities many students do, which makes them sound superficial, but if they’re what you’re passionate about, try to show that. You’ve clearly put a lot of time into doing them, which shows your commitment. Like what rubberfall, above, said, you don’t necessarily need crazy achievements because most kids don’t have them. They can still get in. It’s the whole resume and the whole picture.