<p>I was chanced by a few people in a previous post, but many of them said that my ECs were low. I have 3 years in Robotics (won't be doing it Senior Year) as Director of Public Relations, Madrigals (competitive school acapella choir that goes to national competitions), Peer Counseling, my church Youth Choir, and my church core team which runs the Youth Ministry. </p>
<p>I did Robotics from Freshman to Junior year, and that was my only EC during those years (except for church Youth Choir which I started Junior Year) becuase I moved at the end of Freshman year and FIRST Robotics was the only thing I knew I could join. I spent a LOT of time in it because, as Director of Public Relations, I had to write grants for large companies like Teradata and Northrop Grumman, I had to send several letters to sponsors for various reasons, I had to set up presentations with other companies and around the community, I designed the team t-shirts, banners, etc., and I was the contact for people seeking more information about our team. I quit this past year because the adviser of our club wanted to start doing things her way and limit the opportunities the students have. There is a long story about that, but it was not a principle that FIRST endorsed, so many of us left.</p>
<p>I guess the last thing I have to explain is that our move to a better area strained us so much financially that I didn't have time or money to be in other activities so freely. We were able to get by just enough, and I had to do chores at home, tutor siblings, and manage my own classes in a school that was ten times more competitive than my old one. My whole story requires several explanations, but would this combination of events justify my lack of ECs to admissions officers? How would they understand this odd situation? Or am I just feeling sorry for myself about this ridiculous reason? I appreciate anyone's feedback.</p>
<p>Sorry for sounding so blunt and chaotic, but I really would like to know how people outside of my surroundings see the situation and what college admissions for UPenn would think about the situation?</p>
<p>anyone? I just want some realistic feedback please :)</p>
<p>I would say continue with robotics no matter what. Ignore what adviser is doing! Did you successfully get grant?
No whining allowed for adcomm. Do not do all that explaining. Play up singing…sounds great!
Move to wealthier area doesn’t cut it as hardship</p>
<p>Many ECs do not require money. You could have gotten a job or various other ECs. Not having money to spend isn’t usually considered a valid excuse. I wouldn’t use it.</p>
<p>“We were able to get by just enough, and I had to do chores at home, tutor siblings, and manage my own classes in a school that was ten times more competitive than my old one.” Many teenagers do chores and manage their own classes. Many UPenn applicants go to competitive schools, why should UPenn pick you when there are others at your competitive school who did well? </p>
<p>I don’t really think you have any sort of real set of events that adcoms would think explain the ECs. You were involved in robotics, but you’re quitting senior year! Usually that comes off as you slacking off.</p>
<p>Don’t quit robotics!</p>
<p>Guys thanks for the honest feedback. I know that my reasoning sounds pathetic but things have been hard and I guess I could only explain what really happened the last four years in an essay describing my personality and events (it’s pretty intense stuff I’d rather not discuss on here). Regarding Robotics, I really see no other reason but to quit because the problems involve more than the adviser; team members lack initiative and respect for authority and the team was going to lose many mentors and sponsorships this year due to last year’s incidents (long story again). I guess I should explain that in an essay because it’s a VERY complex situation that needs to be explained well for people to understand. Trust me, I thought about what quitting Robotics would do, and I realized it was the best choice. Thank you all for your feedback.</p>
<p>Also, if it is of any importance or relevance to this post, I was a Dean’s List Semi-finalist at the Regional Competition in line to compete nationally for the prestigious award, though I did not advance because the adviser didn’t send in the paperwork -__- I think I made a good use of my time, however, because I did (alone) write enough grants and letters to raise $15000 for the team.</p>