What can I do for ECs/awards?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I’m a sophomore realizing that I’m as unimpressive as unimpressive gets in the ECs/awards department. It’s worth mentioning that I’m aiming for top schools. ~:>

I’m in debate club and leadership club but don’t hold any leadership positions (ironically for the latter). There aren’t actually any leadership positions I can hold as I’m in online school. I do community service, but really, who doesn’t? Maybe it helps that I volunteer at a museum that focuses largely on STEM (my area of interest), I’ll probably end up getting a silver or gold PVSA, and I’ll hopefully get into NHS next semester. I don’t know. The bottom line is that I really need some things to do.

I absolutely love math, so I’ve considered participating in the MAA American Mathematics Competitions in the future. I’ll also be starting dual enrollment my junior year, so I might be able to participate in clubs there and finally have a chance to lead. Any other ideas?

2

Competitions are good. You could join an athletics team or club; for example, I climb with a non-school affiliated group, and my sister swims with a similar group. Maybe you could do research in the evenings; one of the really smart people at my school got an internship at the Vanderbilt Medical Center, or whatever it’s called.

3

AMCs are good, and if you can make AIME or USA(J)MO, that will look even better.

But in any case, don’t join clubs or participate in contests for the sole purpose of boosting your college app.

4

Read “How To Be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport.