What are “top notch ECs”?

[Anonymous]

I see reference in this forum to top notch ECs/excellent ECs/etc. Obviously subjective, but what are considered top ECs, outside of athletics for which the kid is recruited? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Poet laureate for your state; Olympic trials qualifier; founder of a non profit mentioned in the SOTU, etc

[Anonymous]

Student member of the board of education

Class President

Multi-year Captain of Robotics team that won Nationals

[Anonymous]

Music and art in national recognition.

[Anonymous]

Cured Cancer at NIH internship

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Student member of the board of education

Class President

Multi-year Captain of Robotics team that won Nationals

This. Along these lines. Adding civic involvement outside of school. EIC of school newspaper with proven successes. Outstanding music achievement. Realistic but strong.

[Anonymous]

Weirdos, all of you. Get a life man.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Student member of the board of education

Class President

Multi-year Captain of Robotics team that won Nationals

Those are pretty good, but not top notch.

[Anonymous]

Nonprofits are out. All the AOs know it’s a scam.

[Anonymous]

National finalist of major STEM competitions (think USAMO, USAPHO, USABO, etc)
ISEF, STS finalist
First author pub in peer-reviewed journals
National finalist of major art/writing competitions
Accepted to prestigious summer programs (RSI, SSP, TASP, etc)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Student member of the board of education

Class President

Multi-year Captain of Robotics team that won Nationals

Those are pretty good, but not top notch.

These are really standard

[Anonymous]

Caring about something — actually, truly caring, and letting that sense of care lead. It’s hard to define exactly, bc the specific path depends on the alchemy between the kid, that thing they care about, and the need/opportunity/moment.

But it begins with caring, and AOs know it when they see it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Caring about something — actually, truly caring, and letting that sense of care lead. It’s hard to define exactly, bc the specific path depends on the alchemy between the kid, that thing they care about, and the need/opportunity/moment.

But it begins with caring, and AOs know it when they see it.

That's a good answer. Very true.

Regardless, whatever it is, it has to be internally motivated. Parents can't just choose an extraordinary EC.

Whatever the interest, it'll manifest in different ways. Could be an internship. And that will lead to other opportunities. If STEMy, there are big time national competitions in things like robotics and rocketry. Demands a lot of dedication and expertise. Could be civic involvement

Lots of things. But for college apps, would definitely make sure they are on the leadership side of things by senior year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Caring about something — actually, truly caring, and letting that sense of care lead. It’s hard to define exactly, bc the specific path depends on the alchemy between the kid, that thing they care about, and the need/opportunity/moment.

But it begins with caring, and AOs know it when they see it.

True. AOs are experienced enough to sniff out those make-up leadership roles.

[Anonymous]

Younger DD is getting really good at Zelda, with eSports on the rise I'm hoping that puts her over the top.