What are considered "Amazing" ECs for admission into Harvard, Yale, etc?

Applying to College
1

<p>I know that when trying to get into Ivy League schools you need more than simply high grades and good test scores. But my question is, what qualifies as an "amazing" extracurricular activity? And are they an absolute must, even with extremely high grades and SAT/ACT test scores? What I mean is, do you have a chance of getting in without winning some kind of national (or even regional) title or competition? Are there any "amazing" ECs that don't involve a national/regional competition, etc. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Amazing ECs are ECs that the vast majority of people can’t do. Anyone can become president of 3 clubs on campus or volunteer for 200 hours. Not everyone can create their own social network website or publish a novel.</p>

<p>It’s possible to get in without “amazing” ECs, especially at the less selective Ivies. But if you have nothing impressive outside of your GPA/SAT, there’s little to set you apart from the thousands of other qualified applicants. If you don’t have accomplishments on at least a regional level, you’re in a bit of trouble. Succeeding just within your town and on the SAT is rarely enough to qualify you for top 20 schools.</p>

3

<p>Amazing – Think of something like an Intel award. It will show dedication, talent, and that you’re cream of the crop.</p>

<p>There are also certainly ‘very good’ (if not amazing) activities that can be local – think “Eagle Scout” (of the Girl Scout Equivalent). Some kind of social action (I’m not talking about regular volunteer work, but perhaps organizing some kind of program and showing success). The kind of thing that shows dedication and success.</p>

<p>I think that Pancaked may be overstating by at least a bit. Certainly it’s possible to get into Schools in the top 15 without a regional level accomplishment if you have a very good activity. I don’t know from experience whether this is the case for top 10 or top 5.</p>

4

<p>Fair enough, but I stand by my statement. By “regional” I don’t mean a US region; I just mean an area that is bigger than just your city.</p>

5

<p>Although addressing a Harvard aspirant’s planning for summer programs, several alums offered some philosophical advice that can apply to ECs. Have a read:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1245612-summer-programs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1245612-summer-programs.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

6

<p>The question about impressive ECs 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 <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;