<p>I am a volunteer firefighter and respond to fire calls daily from my house…I have been doing it for 3 years now and am really dedicated to it…is that a good EC to put on my college app? Will it help a lot?</p>
<p>people posting here who want to get into a top university, you wont…you wont…be yourself</p>
<p>Serious question.
If I put that my passion is gay men on my resume, would that freak college admins out? LOL</p>
<p>Because…it’s true. I live in a repressed, rural region filled with conservative Christians, and I respect that. But what I do not respect is their livid ignorance to abolish homosexuality. And…ok.</p>
<p>Anyway…uh. >_> yeah, lol I have a lot of other EC’s, but they want diversity, right?
Well, here you go.</p>
<p>^It really depends on what your type is: John Barrowman, NPH, or maybe Matt Boner? I could be missing a whole bunch…</p>
<p>In all seriousness, it really depends on which college you want to go to, and what you ultimately found rewarding in your time-off from school. Your extracurriculars just have to be about you and what you really want, so no one should be punished for being president of a club if they honestly spend several hours working their asses off for it. Do what you love, not love what others do.</p>
<p>Does a college look at whether or not the activities took place at school? How much difference is there between a school club or sport and going on mission trips and being part of a youth leadership organization in your state?</p>
<p>^</p>
<p>An extra-curricular can be within school or outside of school. Of course that is usually obvious on the application (or extended resume) where it is placed (school or outside of school) doesn’t really mean much to them. I know it has been stated many, many times before, but they’re looking that you’re focused on a select few extra curriculars.</p>
<p>I can’t really answer the second question that you had, but what I can say is that college admissions personnel are only going to know as much as you tell them. Be sure to tell them how many hours you devoted to that specific organization, be sure to tell them your duties within that organization, etc. Even if it’s brief, they’re only going to know what you tell them.</p>
<p>I broke this into numbered subsections. Yes, I wrote that much :(</p>
<p>If you are a person who skips around in posts, please, just jump to numbers 5 and/or 6, those are the most important parts. I am DEEPLY sorry for writing so much. I am a total failure at keeping things curt. Please, please, accept my early apology, and just do yourself a favor and skim this, or skip it entirely. I don’t have the heart to erase any more of what I have wrote (I like to make sure I encompass everything when I write, which leads to obscene post lengths).</p>
<p>Also, I realize that I am no English major when it comes to prose ;D Long-winded is an apt description.</p>
<p>1.) College-confidential is quite possibly the single best college forum. It is also the greatest place to make an average, non-private school, non-published-writer-at-age-15, non-fields-medal-winning student feel like absolute crap upon seeing all the glorious (and they are glorious) pre-college resume’s that most everyone here seems to have (at least to the lowly me).
There are a few outliers, but, typically everyone here is pretty dam* excellent.</p>
<p>2.) I go to a massive (over 3000 student) high school that, because of its large size, caters HEAVILY to the non-caring/non-accomplished student. Meaning that all the students with potential are left in the dust. Among the seniors that graduated from our school (after looking at the list of the colleges that they got into), I think that the “best” colleges attained were University of Oregon, and Oregon State. If that doesn’t put a damper in any person dreaming of the HPYS club then I don’t know what would. There was one boy who got full-ride’s to basically everywhere, but he was also one of the top football players. In the nation. So…yeah.</p>
<p>3.) Due to the abnormally large public school, misuse of funding, and focus on the worse students as opposed to the best (typical of many inflated public schools), the only way to actually succeed is AP classes. </p>
<p>I just so happen to love learning, and thus am taking on a load of 8 (or 9 if another gets added) AP classes. I’m just guessing here, but I’m pretty sure that is quite possibly going to set the record for most AP’s in my particular high school. I may be wrong, but I have yet to hear from any student doing more than that. </p>
<p>4.) So anyways, as far as academics go, I’m golden. My summer project (after learning trig about 2 weeks ago) has been to finish the non-multivariate parts of my 1500 page calculus textbook through self study. Of which, I am 231 pages into it. But I am no genius, and would never fair well in a math or science competition, which is very unfortunate.</p>
<p>I plan to, after I finish calculus, finish my calculus based physics textbook, in order that I may take the AP Physics C exam (my school only offers AP Physics B, and AP Calculus AB, {both of which I’m taking next year} which means I’m on my own when it comes to the fact that I want to take the C and BC tests respectively. </p>
<p>And now, the portion that is most relevant to this posting:</p>
<p>5.) My extracurriculars are non-existent. Literally. I have a crappy high school, which means crappy extracurriculars (well, our sports are pretty good, but I am NOT into sports). We have math club, philosophy club, rocket club, and debate club. Oh yeah, we do have the typical NHS and Key Club, but, I’ve never wanted to do them at all. People only seem to do them to make their applications seem good (no disrespect meant to anyone who actually cares about them earnestly), and I have become more and more resistant to doing them for college reasons only; and since those clubs also don’t interest me. Well. You know.</p>
<p>I am probably the worst possible match for extracurriculars, or doing anything that isn’t academically or intellectually oriented. Which means my time is almost always better spent reading, or trying to learn something new, as opposed to spending time in a club that has nothing for me.</p>
<p>Volunteer work was definitely considered, and I might possibly be able to help tutor kids who are being educated in a Juvenile Detention Center (my father works in law, and he often goes there, which means I might be able to get in next year). This is one of the few things that I would enjoy doing, in fact, really enjoy. But past this, there is an empty void on things that I couldn’t care less about.</p>
<p>6.) So, the question is (and I’m assuming that you skipped to this part [as I would] due to the fact that being concise is NOT one of my strengths, as much as I try to make it one), what is a person like me supposed to do in this situation?</p>
<p>I excel in academics, I love to learn, and I put out the effort and dedication to learn and read on my own, even when it has no tangible benefit, simply to expand in knowledge. You would think that I, being strong in academics, would have a unique passion within the field. I do not. This makes things worse; not only am I skillful in the broadest field imaginable (academics), but within this broad field, I don’t even have a “favorite thing” or a “passion” (yet).</p>
<p>Clubs are pointless (to me). Extracurriculars are dwarfed by the fact that I can do better on my own than with what choices I have. Volunteer work is difficult when you live in a suburban-type setting, 20 minutes from the school, and even further from any place relevant to that work. Again, my only option (aside from solving world hunger by creating a food crop that requires no maintenance, is relatively cheap, and can be planted in harsh conditions) is to see if I can get in to Juvy to help some kids.</p>
<p>I simply do not know what to do. I only wish that admission to college wasn’t so dam* intimidating. I know I have the skill set required for college (I am taking community now, but, then again, its nothing like university), but I also know that to be able to attend the University’s that I want to attend, I have to have a stellar EC record, or an absurdly amazing personality, but, I don’t want to rely on the latter ;D (mainly because I don’t even know if I have a good personality. All I know is that people like me, which puts me in the category of the 99.65% of people in the world who believe that people like them.)</p>
<p>Final 4 lines (if you skipped EVERYTHING, just reply to this if you want to). What is a person like me who is not a genius, not into sports, not rich, not in private school, etc… But is very academically oriented, is passionate about learning, is passionate about self studying, and is, quite simply, dedicated, supposed to do about having ZERO extracurriculars, while shooting for HPYS? i.e., does anyone have any recommendation or advice? Really, anything would help. And thank you (really) for reading. I appreciate it greatly.</p>
<p>Nickmo: I’m a rising sophomore in high school, so if you think wat i have to say is irrelevant, so be it. I go to a similar high school except that its not so bad and we have a lot of academic clubs (Like science olympiad, math team, etc, in which i do great at the state level). I understand if clubs dont interest you, but there other ecs than just clubs. There are national competitions for young thriving intelligent minds like yours, such as the Siemens competition and Intel Talent search - although i dont understand your abhorrence of clubs, i strongly suggest you try to get involved in a national science/math competition.</p>
<p>llazar: Hah, I’m more concerned with MY post being irrelevant than yours. And since you responded to my post, mine was not irrelevant, which is good :)</p>
<p>Do you mean you are a sophomore starting after summer? Or are a sophomore now and junior after summer? Its mostly irrelevant either way, but I am just curious.</p>
<p>I will be the first to admit that I am not of the caliber that those competitions require. This is just based off of my gut instinct, I haven’t actually read into any of the competitions. But I will look up the ones you posted.</p>
<p>I just don’t believe I am superb at things like that. I mean, I’m good in general knowledge, great in dedication, but I don’t really have a specific passion, and thus, am not particularly great at anything. That, plus there are likely far more intelligent minds in competitions such as those than me.</p>
<p>It is not an abhorrence of clubs, rather, my school does not have any ones that are interesting to me. If there was a “hey, lets study some extremely complicated topic in such-and-such for the heck of it” then I would sign up in a heartbeat. But there isn’t, and from all the kids I have met at my school, I don’t think ANY of them would even consider something like that, which means there’s no point in starting a club that just does random research/study. Although, that does give me an idea to ask around, maybe to see if there’s a particular topic that people might consider exploring in a club.</p>
<p>But, thank you (very much) for your response, and as much as I don’t think that I would be a fit for those competitions I will take a look at them just to see. (i.e. I’m googling them after I post this).</p>
<p>Look, im no Genius. Im not the kind of guy who took the SAT at age 7 or w/e and got a 2400.</p>
<p>What you need for these science/math competitions, more than a spectacular mind, is hard work and dedication. Im no genius, but one of my friends is. Yet, hes done SQUAT for his college app or for his future. Either way, hes getting dumber everyday.</p>
<p>The point is, at least try. And im going to be a sophomore this coming year.</p>
<p>unfortunately I too have fail credentials. I consider myself a great learner, meaning I can do really well in basically anything I set my mind to… as long as someone teaches me cause I suck learning by myself. I know I can make it to top schools and my friends think so but I’m afraid it wont’ show through because I lack any credentials… whatsoever. I’ve only ever excelled in the classroom though even in there, I’ve been excelling mundanely and under radar to the host of geniuses that dominates my class.
I have a few extra curriculars that I’ve been committed too but none are academic, I don’t hold offices (I have an aversion to giving orders and taking charge, I like taking orders and contributing behind the scenes) and I never had a job. Sucks, I know.
Quite frankly, I think my greatest asset is my personality and moral integrity, which- I don’t mean to brag- but I feel is greater than most people’s. The point is, I’m not even sure that’ll show through in my essay.<br>
Ultimately, the lesson is I feel that I deserve to go to a top school but I probably won’t be able too because of a rather shy, and unassuming presence.
And quite frankly, I’m not sure why top schools want to see admitted students having leadership positions in extracurriculars. Seriously, I want to go to school for a goddamn education, not necessarily their extracurriculars.</p>
<p>I hope I’m seriously underestimating myself and granted I wasn’t very specific.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>College is for developing as a person and for learning outside of the classroom, too.</p>
<p>Is this resume good? (Note, i know it is not a lot, this is what i have so far, i plan to get a summer job next year plus get a lot of volunteer service hours throughout this year till the end of next summer, and if i can find the time with doing sports, i will join a club ):</p>
<p>-Two years on Varsity Track, competed as a player and was the team manager for two years with responsibilities such as helping with the head coach organize, supervised the practices when the coaches weren’t present or couldn’t see. </p>
<p>-Two years of Cross Country.</p>
<p>@nickmo
Having the momentum to learn for the sake of learning, and at the level you’re putting forth, souds like a pretty strong passion to me. Most DEFINATELY write an essay about it and if you display as much personality and humanity in it as you do on CC, quite honestly, I don’t think you’ll have as much to worry about as you seem to be.
That said, I truley and honestly believe that you should work with this ‘learning passion’ in a way that will shine though in your applicaton, and more importantly, leaving no doubt that you are the hard-working, advantage-taking, amazingly ambitious sort of kid that colleges everywhere pray will apply to their school.
You’re alreading coming from a distinctly different background than most on this sight, I’ll wager. So use that to your advantage. Since top schools look at your high school transcript is the MOST important factor, they’ll be taking into account how you compare with your peers. From what it sounds like, you couldn’t look better from that angle.
You’re also going to need to emphasize the studies you’ve been doing on your own. Possibly explain that it occupies most of your time if that applies? I’m sure if you asked a nice teacher or two, they could specify in your reccomendations that you are such a hard worker ect.
Lastly, as much as you hate EC, you have a passion that can be shown in many ways not related soley to a high school setting. Being involved in a volenteer group, city competition, or just some good solid internships here and there will speak a lot stronger of your passion than just a pure academic focus. </p>
<p>Remember, colleges value hard work and dedication. However, they’re also making an investment in the students they choose to admit. They need to feel that you’re going to be worth it. So the best thing you can do, you prove your sincerity with strong examples of what you have done.
I wish you luck and I honestly, HONESTLY value your character.</p>
<p>I’m a rising Junior, I just wanted to know how i’m doing so far…</p>
<p>Gender: F
African American/Black [Born in Nigeria]
W GPA: 4.32
UNW GPA: 3.something
Soph. PSAT: 177
No SAT scores yet
No AP Classes Yet, Honors/CP</p>
<p>Junior Year Schedule:
Advanced Human Anatomy/Physiology [Dual Enrollment]
French III [skipped French II]
Ap US History
AA Junior English [My school does not offer AP till senior year]
Pre Calculus [Dual Enrollment]
Academic Decathalon [First year]</p>
<p>Senior Year Schedule:</p>
<p>Calculus AB/BC
AP English
French IV AP [hopefully, my school does not offer currently]
AP Physics [Dual Enrollment]
AP Govt./Econ.
Academic Decathalon</p>
<p>EC’s:
Key Club 10-12, Treasurer 11
Coyote Connection Leaders [Amabassador club] Officer 11
National Honors Society 11-12
National Society of High School Scholars 11-12
**Chartering French Club this year
Mayor’s youth Committe [city wide] 11-12, new member
Governor’s Youth Commission [State wide, super competitive] 11-12, new member
Volunteered this summer at lib, 30 something hours
Teen Advisory Board Member, Library
Mesa Historical Museum Volunteer</p>
<p>AWARDS:</p>
<p>not much BUT:
2010 Anthem Essay Contest Semi-finalist
*working on this…</p>
<p>What do u guys think…
i’m thinking of maybe ivy league, but i’m not sure</p>
<p>i agree - nickmo, use your love of learning in your essay. the fact that you spend free time teaching yourself new things is amazing… it is unique and highly valuable.
that said - i also think the work in the juvenile rehabilitation center would be well worth it. it allows you to share your love of learning with others… extracurriculars are about quality not quantity, so one valuable passtime is all you need!</p>
<p>@nervusbreakdown - you sound a lot like me when it comes to your presence in the classroom. the problem with that, though is that it is very hard to convey a superior sense of morality through one essay. extracurriculars are really important. it is ok to not be the president of everything, but you should feel some sense of attachment to what you do. the idea of college is to learn - inside the classroom and out. when you enter the working world there will no longer be someone to teach you everything, and thats where looser learning and experience with extracurriculars would come in…</p>
<p>bump**anyone</p>
<p>^This is not a chance thread, please go somewhere else</p>
<p>^Lets be civil…</p>
<p>^Well of course, in other words, I suggest posting this on a chance thread</p>