<p>My scores and activities all look good - top 1% SAT, taking six APs and in the midst of testing now (I'm a Junior and they're going well), 4.TBD GPA. Sports, languages, debates, speeches etc. To blow off steam I like to play DOTA (Defense of the Ancients) - a multiplayer online game. So truth in advertising to "what do you love to do when you're not doing academics, clubs or sports" would be "I love playing DOTA with my friends online." We have a great time. Sometimes I get to use some of my Spanish or Japanese when I run into International players online. But still I hesitate mentioning gaming to colleges in that perhaps it's looked down on. Any advice? </p>
<p>Excellent question, I’d love to see responses</p>
<p>You could just say that you enjoy utilizing your language abilities in social situations. It wouldn’t be a lie and you could spruce it up.
I personally don’t see anything wrong with gaming or a dedication to it as an EC but remember your audience! The typically Admissions Officer is probably in his or her 40s-60s. </p>
<p>Mention it if theres something of value, like leadership that could resonate from said activity. While gaming is looked down upon, if you can incorporate the traditional things that colleges are looking for in it…well you will have a very stand out app.</p>
<p>Something that worked for me, is showing how video gaming helped me learn how to communicate with all kinds of people. As a clan leader of over 200 people across the world and of many ages, I had to really develop my leadership skills to bring my clan to the #1 spot.</p>
<p>I actually know a guy who wrote about that for one of his essays -basically how he use video games as an intellectual exercise, strategy games etc. He got into every school he applied to -HYPS caliber. It’s a pretty good essay topic if you can pull it off well. </p>