<p>The problem with sports though, is that in order to actually benefit from the participation in college admissions, you need to be the top of the top, and even then aren't always close to gaining a spot to top schools. If athletics is really your thing, then to develop your talent, you've got to put a lot of time in, which usually takes away from time you could put into school. That said, it's likely your grades will be lower than those who choose to work at something else. So, using athletics as the means of getting in is very much a gamble because if you don't end up on top, then all you'll have is mediocre to not very good grades and a seemingly empty EC resume.</p>
<p>good point fhimas</p>
<p>Hmm, sorry if this has been asked (Holy moly, 19 pages of searching?) but would doing a sport outside of the school matter? Like, let's say a 3 year practioner of Muay Thai. Would that count as an EC?</p>
<p>yes it would</p>
<p>How is FIRST robotics as an EC?</p>
<p>I joined the team this year (it was our school's first year), and we made it to the national competition. I worked on the writing (essay, chairman's report), programming, and electronics. Would colleges look highly upon that if I was interested in electrical engineering?</p>
<p>I Highly Doubt That Last Part About Ivy Leagues</p>
<p>The Best Way To Get A Good Extracurricular Is To Start Ur Own Organization For A Cause U Believe In!!!!</p>
<p>I agree with the sentiment of this thread. I have seen Silver-award-girl scouts with a varsity sport, two "captain positions" on major teams, like two major clubs, debate, acting, and robotics being told their were sub-average...</p>
<p>How is FIRST robotics as an EC?</p>
<p>I joined the team this year (it was our school's first year), and we made it to the national competition. I worked on the writing (essay, chairman's report), programming, and electronics. Would colleges look highly upon that if I was interested in electrical engineering?</p>
<hr>
<p>Yes. It's a great EC for any type of engineering.</p>
<p>What sort of ECs should international students be aiming for since the EC on offer in other countries can differ to the US? Should we try to go beyond national competitions, and participate in international competitions? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I just read through the first five or so pages of this thread... so controversial. I mean, (I don't think controversial is the right word to use but whatever), all these posts say the exact opposite of eachother. One is saying that you need to do just incredible ECs that include starting volunteer organizations and other stuff like that, and others that say college's are tired of stuff like that. Every piece of advice seems like a good one, but I can't follow them all!
Also, I saw a post that said colleges are weary of reading essays about your trip to -insert 3rd-world country here- changed my life blah blah blah... could someone please ellaborate on this? Thanks.</p>
<p>BOTTOM LINE:</p>
<p>You're competing against the best of the best at the ivies, and so you usually need ** something ** to set yourself apart. ECs are the way to go about doing that. If you have very high test scores ACT 33/34-36, SAT 2250 and up, and you have good extracurricular achievement, then you'll probably find a spot at the ivies, given that you have good grades and took challenging classes. Unfortunately, the 'holistic' approach of considering all when making a decision at competitive schools still puts a lot of weight on test scores.</p>
<p>it's the student's whole application file, in it's entirety, against the backdrop of university goals, which determines admission. It is therefore difficult to say which EC's "will get you in". You can't separate an EC from the rest of the folder. I guess that is why students should pursue their genuine passions, while doing their best academically by performing in a most challenging curriculum. </p>
<p>I suspect that colleges are hoping to find students who will be long-term performers (not one-hit wonders). Students who are engaging because they are driven to produce, to create, to publish. To start original things and bring them to a successful completion. People who love knowledge and learning for sport, and who are passionate about competing in that world (either with themselves or others). That doesn't mean the adcoms always get it right, nor does it mean that every spot is offered for the right reasons. In general, however, authentic drive (where the golden ring is the work, not the prestige) is usually what makes people successful in whatever they do. I think that universities want people with that kind of motivation to best insure the prominence of future alumni and the long term reputation of their school.</p>
<p>how did this turn into an eagle scout debate?
as long as we are there, it's pretty easy.</p>
<p>its better to have 2 or three activities that you made a difference in, rather than have 20 that you put an hour a week into</p>
<p>let me further comment on eagle scout</p>
<p>It is stupid. IT looks good, but it is stupid. Ive seen eagle scouts that are mildly retarded. All you have to is to know how to pitch a tent, cook, and build a bench. When i was in second grade, an eagle scout built some benches for the playground as his project. I was there when it happened, and i got to see the entire project built in my 20 minute recess. It collapsed the next week. It's a walk-on. All you do is show up, they sign some papers, you take a few hikes, memorize a few lines, and tada- congratulations, you are now an eagle scout</p>
<p>
[quote]
I just read through the first five or so pages of this thread... so controversial. I mean, (I don't think controversial is the right word to use but whatever),
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yeah, I believe you mean "contradictory."</p>
<p>RAIDERSRICE, with all due respect, I think the pejorative "mildly retarded" is best left back in the 1970's. I am confident that an individual with some cognitive challenges could make an outstanding eagle scout in the best sense of that EC. SAT scores aside, any person with tremendous drive and passion could make quite an impact in that role. I know CC is all about getting into college, but if the goal of getting into college is to be successful, then I think we need to stay open-minded about what success actually is. Having a positive impact on the world doesn't necessarily require a high IQ.<br>
:-)</p>
<p>As for Eagle Scouts in general, like many other EC's there will always be people who do a lot with it, and those who use the label for a resume-filler. Let's not demean the great Eagle Scouts by using those who might have been slackers as an example. By looking at a file in its entirety, most adcoms can find those applicants with authentic drive and a good work ethic.</p>
<p>I feel like being VP of spanish club does not require much work and i feel like colleges should realize that. i may be wrong of course, but still.
I have one question.
Do any of you with your long lists of ECs have a life. because if you spend as much time as it seems, then you must only get 5 hours sleep daily and not do anything but this all the time.<br>
I basically did wat i wanted and compared to most people here, i didnt do anything (which of course isnt true, i did do some things) and still got into a top LAC. it baffles me the things people claim to do.</p>
<p>Ya, I'm wondering the same thing as andyman344. For me, either my clubs are large amounts of work (varsity sports where I don't get home until late every night) or absolutely nothing (NHS). I would assume being a leadership position would mean a lot more work, organization, time commitment, etc. I don't understand how people are able to do so many things and get state/nationally ranked for each one.</p>