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As I read the message boards about ECs, the prevailent advice is to do something fun, personally intresting, and something that distinguishes you from the rest.

So to take this to the next level, what are the common ECs in college admission? What are examples of innovative and distinguishing ECs?

By Dadster on Sunday, June 30, 2002 - 05:01 pm: Edit

I think your first paragraph shows you have the idea, John!

Common, undistinguishing ECs would be, for example, belonging to French club. A more innovative and distinguishing EC might be starting a new organization, or organizing a significant community project. Talent-based ECs can be distinguishing when a high level of profienciency is achieved (e.g., a high school musician who wins a major competition or is invited to play with a symphony orchestra). Those are just a couple of examples, of course - elite colleges are looking for things that show the applicant is a cut above the rest, and will be a contributor to the school while on campus and to the larger community after graduation.