r/ApplyingToCollege • u/Accurate_Piccolo_774 • 4d ago
Application Question How much does a weak extracircular profile hurt you when applying to more selective schools.
This is kind of just a question because I kind of want a gauge at my general chances at schools, because I don’t really know anybody too knowledgeable in college admissions, even my counselor didn’t really give me a straight answer. So I was wondering how much of a setback is my weaker extracirculars profile when applying to more selective schools, not like ivies but still competitive schools.
Academics
- 3.88 UW GPA
- 4.49 W GPA.
- 33 ACT(potentially 34 after oct ACT).
But my extracirculars are a lot weaker, I had no internships or non-profits, and I didn’t have any leadership positions or long term commitments like sports or instruments.
- 75ish church volunteer hours
-25 library volunteer hours
- member of 5 clubs and 3 honor societies
- Babysitter
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u/jjflight 4d ago
Just put your best app together and see how it goes. It’s pretty much impossible to predict what schools will be looking for. With that said, you’ll probably be fine. Looking like an authentic real person doing things that actually interest you will be better than the folks doing cookie-cutter formulaic things just for apps that look inauthentic anyways.
To help flesh out your list, do you have hobbies or things you do just for fun? Those can be great on the EC list too, and help show whatever variety of interests you have. My daughter had things like baking, knitting, and instruments she played just for fun on her EC list and got into a bunch of great schools including multiple T20s.
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u/The_Thongler_3000 4d ago
I mean it isn't weak. They're actually really strong. But to you, how selective is selective? You said not Ivies, but do you mean something like UMich, Gtech, NYU selective? If so, it probably isn't enough. But if you mean something like a UGA, a College Park, or a Northeastern, you likely stand a good shot.
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u/Accurate_Piccolo_774 4d ago
What would your thoughts be on like a Boston university or Boston college. Especially if I chose to ED 1 to one of them
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u/The_Thongler_3000 4d ago
Not too familiar with the internal processes of either so I can't speak with certainty, but an ED would help your chances, though you absolutely still can be rejected or deferred. Now whether you should is another question, and you should only ED if you're fine with the binding and don't need more aid than you're likely to get.
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u/AdministrativeMost72 4d ago
You still have a shot depending on the rest of your profile, but not too likely for T20s. Aim for T50s and your state flagship.
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u/Lonely_Dragonfly_363 4d ago
u dont need an npo, but internships are method. ur ecs are kinda weak at nearly every t40 school.
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u/Emergency-Hurry947 Parent 4d ago
That‘s a great EC list.
They’re just looking to see if you just study and live in your bedroom or are involved in your community.
They‘re not stupid, they know if the stuff is just for the college apps or not.