<p>Hello all:
I would like some opinions on what constitutes a meaningful extracurricular activity that could be listed on the Common Application. I am not a participant in very many school clubs, as neither of the schools that I have attended offers many.
Here are the "formal" EC's I have done:
9th Grade: Cross Country (June through November, 3-4 hours a day, 6 days a week), Peer Tutoring (every day before school and at lunch)
10th Grade: Team Captain, Cross Country (June through November, 3-4 hours a day, 6 days a week), Peer Tutoring (every day before school and at lunch)
11th Grade: Key Club, Fiction Club, National Honor Society, Peer Tutoring (at Lunch)
As you can see, none of these really stand out. However, I have a lot of things I do independently, including:
Running ~25 miles a week
Extensive research and reading about history, which is my primary interest.
Creative Writing, short stories and plays.
I am going to self study AP Latin, as the school I am now attending does not offer it.
Watching classic British war movies.
Can any of the above activities be considered EC's and listed on the common app? </p>
<p>Any opinions?</p>
<p>Generally, I think that if it’s a big part of your life, specifically if you plan on it being a big part of your life in college, include it.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that adcoms use ECs to get an idea not only about who you are now, but who you will be in college - what will you bring to that college? Historical research and self-studying an AP course are great, and show that you’re a really motivated, independent learner and thinker. Watching classic British war movies, while awesome and really interesting, doesn’t really tell me that much about how you’ll contribute to the college.</p>
<p>If you’re really involved in creative writing, consider sending in a writing sample or portfolio to the college. If you just write “creative writing” as an EC, I don’t know if you’re writing trashy Twilight fanfics or philosophical litfic novels (not that there is anything wrong with either of those). It’s one thing to say that you’re a creative writer, but it’s another thing to send in your work and show off your skills.</p>
<p>I hope this helped, let me know if you have any more questions! </p>
<p>Thanks so much! That was very helpful.</p>