<p>Hey everyone. New user here. So, I've been looking through the site, and I've found a lot of helpful information. However, when I look through some of the threads for people who want to be chanced, I see that a lot of people have some really impressive/amazing ECs. I'm really worried about this because I know my ECs are nowhere near the same level. </p>
<p>I going to be a senior in high school this fall, and I moved to the United States (from Canada) about a third to halfway through my freshman year. My parents and I discussed, and it felt like that adjusting to new surroundings kind of prevented me from perhaps doing extracurriculars I like. For example, I am genuinely interested in science, but I feel that my only real science related activities started in junior year. Basically, I'm worried that because of moving and adjusting, I feel like I've squandered opportunities in sophomore year, in particular.</p>
<p>On college apps, I want to indicate that I moved and that it might have caused some difficulties, but at the same time, I'm worried that it sounds like I'm pitying myself or making excuses. In junior and senior year, I am trying to legitimately pursue ECs related to my interests, but I'm also worried that people might think I'm "stacking or cramming" ECs at the last minute.</p>
<p>Anyway, is there any advice anyone can give? Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Hey I’m in pretty much your situation. I’ve learned that in the end, it doesn’t matter too much. Maybe add a quick explanation saying you moved and stuff. Try to make the best of junior and senior year. Don’t do meaningless stuff like joining random clubs, do something outside of school on your own. </p>
<p>My essay is about my lack of tangible awards and accomplishments. You don’t necessarily need awards or prominent leadership positions to be unique and passionate. Try doing something outside of school that nobody else has done before.</p>
<p>The idea that moving from Canada to the U.S. prevented you from doing EC’s for two years is never going to fly with admissions counselors. Don’t even suggest that anywhere in your application.</p>
<p>EC’s don’t have to be school-related. What DID you do during those squandered years and how did that influence the person you have become? And don’t worry, most students applying to college don’t have anywhere near the insane EC involvement that some CC posters do.</p>
<p>Just as some examples, I’m going to list some of the things that worry me. I started tutoring elementary school kids in freshman year, and I liked it. Throughout junior year, I regularly tutored (like 2 a week) at a elementary school to help kids who were struggling in class. I really enjoyed that as well, so in spring of junior year, I started a community tutoring service. Several other high school students I knew also joined. We actually get quite a few people every week, and most of the people who do it really enjoy it. I’ve got sophomores, juniors, and seniors participating in this. Does that seem like “cramming” or anything? I’ve heard of people who do start clubs just for ECs. </p>
<p>Yeah, I figured moving wouldn’t work. It always felt like I was making excuses by doing that, and the two countries are really too similar. Well, during those years, I started working towards community service, especially with helping in schools. I also focused a lot on schoolwork. The way my counselor explained it to me, since Canada doesn’t have school courses the same way as the state I now live in, I had to take some courses people usually take in middle school (especially math) to take the required exams for graduation. Would this be a more legitimate explanation for why my freshman year courses aren’t really that stellar? Afterward freshman year, I did try to challenge myself by taking the more rigorous courses. </p>
<p>Anyway, thanks! Gah, I’m still really worried about college applications though But seriously, thanks for the help!</p>
<p>Meh I started 2 of my main EC’s junior year and I’m not too worried. Is doing something for four years better than two years? Obviously but hours put in isn’t everything.</p>
<p>More important is what IMPACT you had. While dedication is important, achievement is more important and it seems that you definitely made an impact. </p>
<p>For example, you tutored for two years before you started your own tutoring service. Someone else might have started tutoring first semester of junior and started a tutoring service the second semester. While you would still most likely look better because of doing it for four years, mostly the two people would look the same.</p>
<p>That sounds like a great EC, and certainly something you could structure an application around. You can get one of the parents of the kids you tutor to write a recommendation (assuming your tutoring has been effective) as well as writing your Common App essay about the experience.</p>
<p>Don’t talk about your lack of anything in your essays. Use that to describe why you’re unique and different and not about why you’re not the most accomplished candidate. That’s your time to shine and take the focus away from your lack of everything else, which is essential to showing that you are right for the college and they should pick you.</p>
<p>It will only look like stacking if you go from “just” tutoring to a list of 12 ECs junior year. I think the best strategy at this point is to keep up/expand the tutoring and add 2 or 3 other things that you’re really interested in to your schedule.</p>
<p>Actually, having ECs is a major factor behind getting accepted to many top universities. Schools don’t want to accept a genius if he/she cannot contribute to the campus in a positive fashion; they want to see that you possess leadership skills, can compete in competitions and succeed, and help out your community. All of these factors, however, are a growing process and cannot be started senior year.</p>
<p>In your case, I would recommend taking up an internship in something you’re passionate about. It means almost nothing to join a club your senior year.</p>
But seriously, thanks for the help!</p>