Hi,
In the future, I’m interested in pursuing a major that’s STEM-related: likely computer science. When applying to colleges, with ivys in particular, I’ve heard many times that it’s best to pursue ECs that are related to your subject/major of interest. If I’m applying to a top college, such as MIT, for comp sci or another specific major, are any and all STEM-related activities considered relevant? Examples include creating a website/3D printing company, engaging in robotics, STEM team (sikorsky challenge), science bowl, chess team, a possibly relevant summer internship, and a science research opportunity? Or if your ECs are more relevant to another major, would it be a better idea to apply under that one and later switch out?
Sorry if this is too specific to me and therefore belongs to the “my chances” forum.
Hi,
I totally understand how it feels when no one answers your post :((
So anyway, I’ve been told that ECs matter when you’re super involved, so it’s better to have a few that you really care about and require a lot of commitment (for example, you have leadership positions, awards, etc) than a ton of stuff that you don’t really care about and/or don’t require a lot of commitment.
It would make sense to have a lot of ECs in your intended major area, since that reflects on the fact that you’re really interested in it and it’s something you’re passionate about. However, you don’t want to be ‘one-sided’ in the sense that you only do that thing and leave little room to explore other interests. I kinda fell into that when I was writing my applications this year because most of my ECs are dance or theatre related (dance is my intended major) and I have the most commitment to that that I didn’t really get an opportunity to become more involved in my other clubs.
Also, don’t base your decision of what to apply for on your ECs, they are, after all, simply stuff you do outside of regular school hours. They typically show some of your interests, yes, but apply for what you want to do, and if that changes in the process of college, then switch out then, no biggie
Hope this helped!
Thanks for the response!
Yeah I know what you mean - my ECs should definitely be based on what I’m interested in. So far that’s what I’ve been doing, and with your response I’ll probably continue doing that.
You do NOT need to focus all your ECs in your possible major area. Sure, a few to show you have some basis for what you want to do. But mostly top schools want interested and interesting people. Do the ECs that interest you most.
