Hey guys, I’m currently a junior in high school. I wanted to maybe get some of your guys’ opinions on what I have for ECs so far? Maybe I’m missing something… I’m hoping to apply to Ivies, I’m number one in my class, and I want to major in math. Whew, here goes:
Varsity Tennis
Field hockey freshman and JV captain
Creator and President of Arts and Crafts Club
Senate
Math Team
NH State math team
Science Olympiad (so far only 4th place in geologic mapping…)
Science, Math, Latin, and National Honor Society
Volunteer at Animal Shelter
Job at local Math School for 2 years
Receptionist at local law firm now
Volunteer at Parks and Rec Tennis Summer Camp - Best Coach award
Ummm… that’s basically it. Am I over stretching myself? Am I missing something? Is this all really boring and I should find something to really make me stand out? Are there some I shouldn’t bother including? Dream school is Princeton. Thanks in advance!!
It’s good dude. Get some sleep.
“I’m number one in my class”
Do you mean in the class of 2018 (high school class rank) or just in one class like Calculus?
Apparently, you are in too many clubs and are holding leadership positions in only two or three clubs. Why don’t you try to focus more on those two or three clubs, or try to get leadership positions in a club that is related to your major. Colleges do not like well-rounded students. You didn’t provide enough information about you for evaluation, but based on your extracurricular activity background, but if you are seeking to go to top Ivy Leagues like Harvard, then those clubs won’t really support you as much. Try to win awards or go to competitions and expand your honors history.
Thanks for the advice! I did mean #1, as in like the class of 2018. Colleges don’t like well rounded students? That seems like a shock to me. Wow, the more you know…
@anxiouswreck A common phrase describing selective college admissions is that they want to build a well-rounded class filled with specialists/“pointy” students. It is better to be highly specialized in one discipline versus a superficial jack of all trades. That being said, I’m pretty sure the Dean of Admissions at Harvard said the “bread and butter” of Harvard is well-rounded students.
IMO try and create a narrative you want your extracurriculars to tell. Do they explain and reveal what you are passionate about? Is there a central theme, or do they capture your varied interests? But the best advice is also the simplest: focus on what you enjoy doing. Do not do something simply because of its perceived worth on a resume.