What If My ECs Aren't Good Enough?

<p>I'm a junior in high school, and I am considering some Ivies for college. But I'm a little concerned about my ECs, since it doesn't seem like I have that many.</p>

<p>I'll give a little list (the number of years is assuming that all these will continue):</p>

<p>Academic Quiz, 3 years (highest-scoring member if that counts for anything)
Science Research Projects, 3 years with various awards, competing at many levels
Piano Lessons, 7 years, competed in state competitions and received highest rating
Concert Band, 4 years, saxophone
Pep Band, 4 years, saxophone
Jazz Band, 3 years, piano
National Honor Society, 2 years (I'm not sure of what the NHS specifically does)
Mock Trial, 2 years (I'm on my school's first team ever, haven't competed yet)
Part-time job, since summer '07, 20 hours per week during summer, 8 during school</p>

<p>I think I have a diverse list, but adcoms might think otherwise. I'm generally busier than most other students in my class, but they won't be applying to Ivies. There is also one person in my class who will most definitely be applying to Ivies, and she has the complete package: 4.0 GPA, astronomical SAT scores, she's started numerous clubs, she volunteers at the hospital, she's done a summer program at Yale, and she's taken her research projects to ISEF. If I happen to apply to the same schools, it won't look good for me since she has a list of ECs that far outpaces mine. Our GPA and SAT scores are comparable.</p>

<p>Do I need to kick into high gear and do anything else? This doesn't apply to just admissions; I would also like to receive large merit scholarships for other schools in case I can't afford an Ivy education.</p>

<p>apparently, it's quality, not quantity that matters when it comes to ecs. i would suggest that you (continue to) win awards/get leadership positions/etc. in some of the ecs you already have...</p>

<p>Do I need to pick up anything else, perhaps over the summer? I might be doing a research project over the summer, but I'm not sure yet. </p>

<p>Would those random little awards really count for anything? I usually win them because there isn't much competition, but adcoms of course won't know that.</p>

<p>Continue what you do. I think the essay will be the deal breaker for you.</p>