what kind of things count as EC's?

<p>Hi I'm a highschool junior aiming for some top colleges. Academically, I've done great so far, but I am worried about a TOTAL LACK OF EC's!! Someone please help me out on what kind of things i should include as my EC's. I think I'll include all school-sponsored activities and clubs but here are some things i'm not clear on:</p>

<p>-Can my independent project be an EC? It's a research project done mostly at home.</p>

<p>-I play piano and take lessons at a local university. Yet im not involved with school orchestra(they only have strings!)or local symphonies.. can it still be an EC? I do commit at least an hour a day for practice. I'm pretty good but certainly not amazing.</p>

<p>-How about volunteering at my church?</p>

<p>-I've entered some math competitions but im not in school math team (actually it does not exist.) can simply entering few competitions still be an EC considering that you do have to spend some time on your own for preparation? I have qualified to AIME but no further.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!!</p>

<p>all of those are ECs</p>