<p>I've heard conflicting stories about how many ECs a person should have, but what if you only have one; I have been in orchestra since I was ten, I'm in my HS's advanced orch. and will be in chamber orchestra next year (which does tons of stuff) is that okay? I'm just not into sports and my school doesn't have any clubs that really interest me - I've been thinking about trying to start a school newspaper next year - would that be a good idea or would it just seem like I'm trying to increase my ECs?</p>
<p>The overwhelming majority of colleges don’t factor ECs into admission. They admit mainly on stats and at most use ECs for merit aid consideration. </p>
<p>The few colleges that do factor ECs into admission are those like HPYS that have such an overabundance of high stat applicants that they can pick and choose from those to create a diverse, active class. For such schools, even if you start a club, your ECs aren’t likely to stand out. </p>
<p>If you want to start a newspaper, do so because you’d enjoy that. Don’t do it to get into college.</p>
<p>Although I am not a college student myself, from all that I have gathered admission officers are immediately able to tell if people are doing an EC FOR admissions or for college. So far your ECs are strong because they are so centered on music and it is obviously something you love. I’d say continue your music, and perhaps think of doing some new things with music. Only start a newspaper if it is really what you want to do. It will take a lot of time and commitment, and you need to be sure it is right for you.</p>
<p>just my two cents</p>
<p>From other posts, it looks like you’re interested in creative writing. If you love creative writing, why not start a literacy magazine or creative writing club so you can pursue that interest?</p>
<p>^I might just do that (although I don’t know how many people at my school would get involved)</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, I’m not as worried now - though full of good info this site sometimes has a habit of making me paranoid.</p>
<p>Something possible you could do revolving around music: you could give lessons (either volunteering or as a job). I did something similar. I played golf and was really invested in the sport, and one of my ECs was giving golf lessons to underprivileged kids (free, of course). Because I’ve heard top colleges will pass on students that dabble in a bit of everything in favor of those who focus intensely on just a couple things.</p>
<p>I think the key to extracurriculars is doing what you really enjoy and have a passion for. Colleges can see your personality and dedication through it, and they’ll be less likely to regard it as something you do simply to boost your resume.</p>
<p>In terms of music, being principal or concertmaster/mistress would be really helpful. Other activities include volunteer work centered around music. I think those would show dedication more than starting a newspaper, unless it’s something you truly want to do.</p>