Hey guys!
So I’ve filled up nine out of ten activities in commonapp and I really want to fill in the tenth one. Can training my pet dog during summer break be counted as a valuable EC?
No. You could write about it in your essay, but it’s not a valid EC.
That is not an EC and there is no reason to feel you need to fill up all ten spaces.
Well, technically is is an EC, since it’s not related to curriculum. But the OP asked if it is a valuable EC. And the answer is no. When my mom was applying to grad school, I doubt that she listed raising children as an EC. To paraphrase Chris Rock, “That’s what you’re supposed to do.”
I don’t see why it couldn’t be an EC…but don’t say “Trained my dog” but “Trained dog to recognize 7 commands reliably.” or something more specific than that.
But I hope you did something else too!
If it was “trained my dog over five years to participate in obedience competitions” or whatever, that would be impressive. “Taught my dog to sit and shake hands over one summer” not so much.
If you’ve already got nine ECs, I don’t see why you have to add another.
Seriously, what makes on think that training one’s pet is going to favorably impress an adcom?
I’m sure there are lots of things kids do routinely and with purpose. Most don’t belong on a college app. Try to know the difference.
I’m with @bodangles . Training dogs as service dogs would be good; trainng them not to pee on the rug is responsible dog ownership.