Wow Factor in ECs with great stats? (for application)

Hi! I’m not worried about my stats, but I’m having a hard time thinking of impressive extra-curriculars (humanities/history) to really stand out in my application… I have several leadership positions in school clubs, but not many “executive” positions. I’m especially struggling to come up with ways to reach out into communities outside of my school (I don’t live in the States so it’s hard to find local activities)! Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on how to brainstorm?

I’m currently looking for a research internship job for the summer, but I’ve been getting ding letters. Plus, I’ve always thought research jobs with a professor were cliché… I’m trying to find something really unique or colorful.

Also, do ECs play a really large role even if you’re solid in other areas?

Your other thread, since disappeared, was in the Harvard forum, so I assume you are looking at highly selective schools. In that case, since tens of thousands of kids have “solid” stats, yes, the other parts of your application, including what you did outside of school, are important.

There isn’t an EC formula for what a school like Harvard considers “successful” – if there wre, everyone would be doing it.

In my own humble opinion, one thing they look for is people who will make a difference, have an impact on society. David Hogg is a great example of this.

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Thanks for your reply! Wow, David Hogg? That’s intense… I’m in several clubs within my school, and I am really passionate about them (I spend a lot of time/energy in them, I’m in leadership positions, etc). But I’ve heard that schools also emphasize what you did to contribute to communities outside of your school, and I think I’m lacking in that area. Also, I found that my activities lean towards media/communications more than what I’m actually pursuing, which is in the area of history (ish).

yea, i definitely think that being an ‘unhooked’ applicant hurts; but with that being said, I think as long as you convey your passion for clubs/achievements in them through your essays (and how you may want to translate that into your collegiate years), you can still display the “passionate” and “driven” aspects of an application that they look for.

to answer your other questions: yes, ECs play an incredibly large role. especially during current times (where grading scales are skewed and schools are test-optional), ECs and essays matter more than ever before. A majority of 4.0 1600 applicants get rejected from t20 schools - so think of these aspects of your application as something that can set you apart! and a research role is not cliché at all; I conducted bioethics research with a professor, and I think his recc letter was amazing (and definitely boosted my application). I was able to get published and it was an overall great experience! it’s also a great way to attack a larger systemic problem (or social issue) to display your service to community/passion for social change.

good luck! i’m still coping w my yale deferral lmaoooo

Kids outside the US generally can’t get the sort of community service we can. Adcoms know.

“Passion,” as a keyword, is overrated unless the pursuits are relevant to the college/something about college life or their expectations about you in their community. Think about that.

Thanks lookingforward! What do you mean by “relevant to the college”?

Well, there’s an old joke about “passion” for collecting Hummel figurines. Not relevant. Better would be a few things related in some way to your possible major. (But balance is good.) School clubs show engagement, that’s good. It’s not just about titles. Good to do things not simply offered by the hs.

“Good to do things not simply offered by the hs.”

I figured! It’s just that I’m lost when coming up with ways to branch outside of my own school.

Is there a food pantry or a network of places that help people in need? I would think that with covid, all countries would have some. Volunteer there and ask if your skills could help or, better, after helping for a few weeks, see where there’s a need, think of an initiative that uses your skills, and see whether it could be implemented.