<p>Even though I'm a junior, I'm getting ready for college applications and don't exactly know what people really include for their EC's or awards? </p>
<p>For example, can you include things like (most are hypothetically speaking): student of the week, performance at Carnegie Hall (or whatever famous stage like the one Chicago Symphony plays on), UIL state-qualified ensemble, senior soloist, award for best at whatever subject nominated by a teacher, first in district for a competition, UIL academic awards, UIL orchestra/band/choir Sweepstakes Award, sports team won first in state, Gold Medal National Latin Exam, out-of-school photography/film competition, principle cellist (for awhile if your seating changes a lot), concertmaster, etc?</p>
<p>or should you only include things like: first ranked tennis player in state, All-State musician, NMF, Solo at Carnegie, won some research award, reached high level of of AMC test, etc?</p>
<p>I don't know if I should even include things like being in Octathlon, since I was only in it for one year, or Culture Society (all years) because it's not very academic or prestigious, or any other club that I've never been an officer.</p>
<p>I would really appreciate the advice. :)</p>
<p>I think that you can include most of what you listed. However, I would NOT include things like student of the week, honor roll, or awards like that. I am not sure I would include “9th grade English student of the Year” unless you are really short on awards or are planning on majoring in English. As far your activities go, a lot depends on what you are trying to show with your application. A lot of unrelated activities that you only participated in for a year don’t tell much about you. If you are really into music or theater or sports, highlight the activities you did that involved that. If you aren’t really into anything can you show that your activities show an interest in a wide variety of things? In that case, you should highlight those things that you participated in for 3 or more years. </p>
<p>In thinking about this, think about being the person who is reading your application. What do your awards and activities say about you? Highlight those that give the impression that you want to give.</p>
<p>Should any of these be included: National History Day participation, but no award, 1 year volunteer position, OK position in a music competition, 1 year student government, high honor roll, writing published in local newspaper teen section</p>
<p>agree with above. Do colleges even care what you did with a group like band/orch/team? or do they only care about what you did yourself?</p>
<p>you can put down everything but the NHD participation (anyone can just enter) although I don’t think it will really help you that much…</p>
<p>Generally, I wouldn’t include:</p>
<p>-Club memberships, no officer position (unless you made some otherwise significant accomplishment)
-Participation in contests, no awards
-One year commitments (unless signficant accomplishments were made)
-Honor Roll
-School awards (unless it’s significant)</p>
<p>would being concertmaster or principle instrument be considered a leadership position?</p>
<p>Also think about your overall profile. Are you an artist? Include competitions. A Musician? Include “1st chair” and Regional awards, Are you a scientist? Include research experiences and science fair awards, and of course national awards (Olympiad, AIME, Intel, etc.). </p>
<p>It sounds like you have many, many choices. But what you want to get across is a picture of who you are and where your passions are. Sometimes, less is more.</p>
<p>Would awards attained the summer before Freshman year count as applicable honors?</p>
<p>I would say to just put what was important to you. If being Student of the Week is something you’re proud of, then include it, but if you don’t really care, then don’t, and same for everything else. The only exception I would have is something that is obvious from other parts of your application, which is mostly just Honor Roll (colleges will see your grades anyways).</p>