<p>What if I did some activities that just won't fit on the application, or wanted to explain some awards? I thought Stanford didn't want a resume, but .... how else could I list these things? Should I just attach one anyway??? =/</p>
<p>In short, no. I'm pretty sure that Stanford is serious when they said that they throw any extra stuff away. Since they are Common App now, you can probably add a little content to the addition information section if you need it.</p>
<p>.. then... on the "extra information" (it will fit-- they let you upload your own document) should I just attach the resume? Or should I only give a few more details on the stuff already on my application? They gave me waay too few EC slots, and I thought that i'd be able to organize my activities list better if I attached something else and grouped it with a few categories, like "science" and "painting"... </p>
<p>thanks for your help =)</p>
<p>No, don't attach the resume, not even in the 'extra information.' One of the biggest things that Stanford looks for is passion, focus, commitment. By limiting the number of EC spots on the app, they are, in a way, forcing you to show that focus and pick only the important ECs. So just follow the directions and you'll be fine. If you feel you want to show something about them, you might mention them in passing in your essays (but only if the topic permits).</p>
<p>but what about the awards.... and stuff? I have a lot, and all of them are relatively impressive... =/ and they're all concentrated in one area, so they do show my passion....
and I have a lot of ECs that are concentrated in the same general category. Should I list it as the same EC instead, then??</p>
<p>... so what DO you put in "extra information"?</p>
<p>I think the best idea is to cherry pick your best awards and put them in there. Actually, isn't there a special part of the Common App which allows you to list awards? I seem to remember that.</p>
<p>.. so you're saying I should disregard the rest of my awards and only list the national/state ones? (yeah, they give you about four or five lines to list your "academic awards and distinctions"..... but I feel like I'd make myself look like a weaker applicant if I didn't list the other ECs I did and the other awards I got... aah...</p>
<p>Everyone has more clubs and awards than can fit on the application. Remember - everyone has the same application you do. Everyone is cutting down as well. Use the space provided, put down the best of your awards, and if one that is IMPERATIVE is necessary, subtly put it into an essay. Otherwise don't worry about it - I got in without 4 of the ECs I wanted to put down.</p>
<p>hmm... i was worried about this too... what if the most <em>important</em> activities and awards (ones I will most likely list) seem to be all over the place , but then the more minor activities will support that I'm not a dreaded "serial joiner"? Then should I mention them in extra info?</p>
<p>Yes. I had a couple of smaller ECs that I added to the additional info section. The best way (and the way that is least annoying) is to build some of the smaller things into essays. This allows a grouping of your ECs that is particularly strong.</p>
<p>"but what about the awards.... and stuff? I have a lot, and all of them are relatively impressive"</p>
<p>It's not about how impressive they are -- it's about how important they are (i.e. relevant to your passion).</p>
<p>so if i DO submit so "extra info", I probably should group it into general categories..? (i.e. art, music... sports..)?</p>
<p>don't stress too much about this whole thing. remember, ECs and awards are probably just a small percentage of your application. and if they wanted your full resume, they would have asked for your full resume. if you have a full slate of national/state awards to fill in the slots, you have nothing to worry about extracurricularly, and stanford will get the point: you're good at what you do. you won't look like a "serial joiner," if each of your activities demonstrates a significant time commitment.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help! I have one more question, though---
What if I have leadership in an activity (but spend less time in the activity anyway), and say.. I'm in another club that I'm not a leader of but spend substantial amounts of time on? Which one would be better to list? =/</p>
<p>The latter is much better.</p>
<p>Leadership is always better. Period. Of course, the better answer is, put both on the application! And if this is the last slot, then it really is not going to make that much of a difference.</p>
<p>leadership is not always better, especially when its in high school where so many kids hold leadership positions just so they can put it on their app. Go with what you love more (assuming its not something like watching tv all day). In my opinion, stanford does not want a long list of accomplishments, they want depth.</p>
<p>^^ it's also possible to have a long list of accomplishments that together show depth because they're all focused.</p>
<p>hey guys, thanks for your help! my ECs are basically concentrated in three areas: science/research, visual art, and music (violin and piano). I participate in many clubs/activities that fall into those three general categories. I know that sounds like I really am a serial joiner... but ... I really do have leadership positions in all three, and I've won regional/state/some national awards in all three areas. </p>
<p>My "side" ECs include a varsity sport, over 350+ hours of volunteer service, significant tutoring (well... leadership in national honors society, so figures. over 150 hrs). .... and varsity academic bowl...</p>
<p>If I put the general categories and then specifiy the "subgroups"/clubs that fall under those three general categories under "awards and distinctions" instead, would that work better? any other suggestions?</p>
<p>"my ECs are basically concentrated in three areas: science/research, visual art, and music (violin and piano)"</p>
<p>That isn't very focused. =p But your ECs seem to be good.</p>