I'm a senior in college who is trying to get into top schools (I'm applying to all the Ivies and some top 20s, as well as some local safeties). For context, I have a 3.8 uw, took 11 AP courses, have a 1500 SAT and am a BIPOC.
I've done plenty in terms of extracurriculars and didn't really want to choose just 10 to put in my Common App. So I put them in under groups, like this:
1. Journalism
Managing Editor of the School Newspaper/Editor in Chief of Literary Magazine
2. Nonprofit
Founder and president of [name of my peer support group]
3. Research
Pathology Researcher and Speaker at the National Medical Association
4. Community Service Towards English
President of NEHS/Volunteer at Local Library (100+ hours)
5. Summer Journalism Programs
Intern at the Dallas Morning News/Student at the School of the New York Times
6. School and Community Leadership
Student Advisory Group/Town-wide Youth Leadership Program member
7. Service towards Faith
Church Volunteer/Leader of school's female Christian group
8. Music
Cellist and Historian in School Orchestra
9. Work (Paid)
Freelance Writer for a blog that reaches over 11,000
10. Academic
PSAT Team Captain
Even though this showcases most of the things I have done in high school, I wonder if colleges will be annoyed that I used some slots for two things. Also, I don't know if putting two things in one slot will give me the space to expand on my ecs and what they meant to me. But at the same time, picking just ten would weaken my application.
What should I do?
I like this idea for the more general and less selective ECs, such as your musical experience. However, I think that you should write down your top ECs in the traditional format. Highlighting the tangible impact you made in those activities (e.g. the amount of money your non-profit raised) is crucial to making them stand out. Hope this helps!
To keep this community safe and supportive:
I mean I'm a senior in high school!