If every kid is doing the same damn EC

[Anonymous]

Lots of kids have part time jobs as their EC. Not a unique thing anymore.

[Anonymous]

I have a kid with a true passion for a weird ec. It’s no walk in the park! I often wish he wasnt quite so into it and I don’t know that it’s a benefit to his college app bc although it’s unusual and shows dedication over time he likes it way more than typical ECs (and to some extent his actual schoolwork) so while those are ok they are not as strong as they would be if he wasn’t as into this niche interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another activity every kid is doing: national honor society (NHS). What's special then if most students are eligible to be a member? What if a kid meets the criteria to apply for NHS but doesn't apply? Does not being a NHS member when student was clearly eligible stand out to an admissions team?

It means so little that tons of kids who qualify, apply, and are a member don't put it on their college apps.

+1 it’s become meaningless. AOs can see stats, they know who would have qualified.

[Anonymous]

Maybe I’m crazy but it’s not about standing out unless you’re gunning for Harvard. It’s to show that you have a life and interests outside of school. Or in the case of kids who don’t have the time and money for ECs that are “fun”, to show how you spend your time and who you are as a person.

These are the activities available to most teenagers via their schools and communities. I think people really overthink ECs for college apps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe I’m crazy but it’s not about standing out unless you’re gunning for Harvard. It’s to show that you have a life and interests outside of school. Or in the case of kids who don’t have the time and money for ECs that are “fun”, to show how you spend your time and who you are as a person.

These are the activities available to most teenagers via their schools and communities. I think people really overthink ECs for college apps.

It’s not just Harvard. Also matters for T25/30.