<p>I am a student from Finland and I am thinking of applying to USA to study computer science. I have good academics, but my ECs are virtually non-existent (well, I did work 80 hours as a voluntary worker in a science museum type place, where I explained the various exhibits to the visitors and tried to keep the entertained, but this is hardly a strong EC). So I would like to know what do you think counts as a good EC for computer science.</p>
<p>I am not really a sports person (I do exercise, but I don't do competitive sports or anything), so getting gold medals is not really an option for an EC. There also aren't really any clubs here to attend, so that isn't an option either. Basically, I'll really have to try hard to come up with a worthy EC in here, and that is why I am asking help from you guys.</p>
<p>And by the way, do you think ECs matter less when applying for a technical program like computer science?</p>
<p>Volunteer your computer skills at a local non-profit, museum, church, school or social service organization. Help set-up or maintain their web site, assist with the use of social media, help them keep their systems running, develop reporting capabilities for them, automate manual processes, etc… (It’s easy to find opportunities and desperately needed by many non-profit organizations in the US. Not sure if it’s realistic in Finland where non-profits don’t play as big a role in the life of a community. I suspect much depends on whether you are living in an urban area or not.)</p>
<p>Alternatively, volunteer or intern with a company in their computer science dept. Or set up your own computer-help business if you are handy that way.</p>
<p>How important are ECs in comp sci? It’s not critical that they be in comp sci. ECs are generally a way to demonstrate to a school that you have something to contribute to the school community besides an ability to do the academic work. Admin officers realize that you are operating in a different environment than US applicants are, so you may have different options. That said, they will still need to be able to differentiate you from all the other international applicants for comp sci who have similar grades and test scores. Your essays and recs are part of the answer. Your ECs are the other part.</p>
<p>Remember too that ECs don’t have to be ‘organized’ like sports or clubs. They can be anything you devote your time to that you care about: Among the kids I’ve interviewed, I’ve seen a gardener, a chef, several artists, musicians, a surfer, etc…All interesting ECs and all likely to contribute to whatever campus they end up on.</p>
<p>@norsul, I would not discount the 80 hours of volunteer work that you did at the Science Museum. It demonstrates an interest in Science. It also illustrates that you can deal effectively with people, can field questions about exhibits and most importantly, are responsible enough to hold a job. I think colleges like something a little different than the run of the mill type of EC’s.</p>
<p>I’m not your average student, but I founded a software development company with paid programmers now working under me. I create the ideas, they develop, then we sell to the masses. We’ve been quite successful. To document my success, I’ve been in talks with several magazines.</p>
<p>I also work over 400 hours every summer as management for my dad’s company.</p>
<p>Maybe you should do the same? I’m not a sports guy. Remember, your extracurricular don’t have to be in the field you wish to study. UMich said that 96% of their CS undergrads have never seen a line of code, so that just goes to tell you.</p>
<p>Colleges are well aware that European schools offer fewer opportunities for ECs compared to American schools, so they will review your application accordingly.
I agree with other posters that your job is an impressive EC. So don’t dismiss it!
ECs do not need to be related to a potential major at all. Most kids starting college are undecided about their major or have chosen one that they will abandon in a year once they have started exploring other options.</p>
<p>Thank you guys for your advice! It was really helpful!</p>
<p>And by the way, the reason I did not view my volunteer job in the science museum as valuable is because it’s only 80 hours, which in my opinion is hardly impressive to american universities. But don’t get me wrong, I will most certainly include it in my application :D.</p>