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I would like to hear which of these ECs you people would think the colleges would want to hear most about. Rank them 1-4 if you wish

1. 2nd in state math competition, placed in various state competitions, usamo senior year, founder of school math club

2. Captain of varsity water polo and varsity swimming, member of varsity soccer, 8 years varsity experience between the three, member of 2 league champion swim teams, 2-time state qualifyer

3. Two years JV and two years varsity Mock trial, member of two district chamionship teams, during junior year member of state championship team (out of 50-60 teams) that traveled across country and competed at Nationals, individual honors received at district competition

4. 50 hours service as a coach of a middle school football team, 50 hours service tutoring kids 10-17 at local Boys and Girls club, VP of national honor society and helped start and run various community efforts such as an annual book drive.

By Sar (Sar) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 08:18 am: Edit

I think it depends on what part of yourself you want to emphasize, for each college. For example, number 2: not all colleges have sports teams, and some colleges might prefer to admit people who are committed to community service rather than those who can argue well...

Initiative: #1 is nice.
Leadership & Dedication: #2 & 4.
Excellence: #3.

That's my take.

By Nymom (Nymom) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 09:21 am: Edit

Which is your favorite? Do any relate to your future plans? These are all great activities, but I would present them in a way that gives the college a picture of who you are. That is more important than trying to guess which activity will impress.

By Jimjunior (Jimjunior) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 09:26 pm: Edit

I dont plan on being a lawyer or an engineer, but I would beinterested in a business field where math and law skills come in handy. I am interested in playing water polo in college and most of the colleges I am looking at have it.

By Mikus (Mikus) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 10:06 pm: Edit

#1 isn't really an EC in my opinion, but it's obviously a very impressive academic achievement-- and should be listed as thus.

I don't understand why you have to choose between the other 3 though.. they are all impressive, why not just emphasize them all? If you really want to rank them:

1.) Captain/Varsity Sports
2.) Service
3.) Mock Trials

Just my opinion. USAMO goes without saying. But list it as academic =P

By Jimjunior (Jimjunior) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 03:49 am: Edit

I dont have to choose between any of these, I just wanted to see how much weight people put in different types of achievements and activities.

I put the math stuff in ECs because it includes various competitions I had to travel to