Hello!
I am a rising junior (senior in the fall) and have a mess of extracurriculars. I am not sure what I specifically want to major in, as my interests go from finance to international relations. Currently, I want to explore data analytics so that's what I've been telling people. My current ECs or major achievements lean towards environmental science (because my APES teacher is very involved), school/community leadership, theatre, and international relations (MUN). My question is how to delve deeper into ECs or make them more tied together. I've had a smattering of one-year or one-semester ECs, but I don't plan to put them on my application, so I'm not putting them here. I could definitely experiment with science olympiad or DECA, but since it would be senior year, I'm not sure how effective that would be. Here are my current achievements/major ECs by group:
Environmental science: 3rd place in a state essay writing contest, worked on an annual school project that gathers international viewers for webinars from scientists (leader of communications and gathered largest presenter yet [senior vp and chief scientist of WWF])
International relations: Honorable mention at a conference this year (I am hopeful or it seems likely that I will earn more awards and/or become head delegate next year)
Theatre/Choir: Been selected for various state/district choirs and theatre programs (3), in top auditioned ensemble for choir, part of thespian society (next year I will be section leader and hopefully get a leadership position in theatre), co-directing a one-act play
Principal's Student Advisory council: When I graduate, I will have been on the council for 3 years as a regular attendee (as much as my schedule permits). This year/next year I think things are really going to ramp up for the council in terms of making real change, so that can be expected or accounted for in weighing the EC. Was selected by a staff member to join (it might not make sense but it's a long story).
Superintendent's Student Advisory Council: When I graduate, I will have been on the council for 2 years. Two major things I did this year: As part of the committee, we organize and tailor questions and discussion topics for a district-wide annual student summit. Besides simply contributing, I also worked as a facilitator for my certain table, taking notes and leading the discussion. Second, my district has an opportunity for juniors to apply for student advisor to the district board of education. I was one of six finalists but ultimately not chosen.
HOPEFUL/TENTATIVE PLANS:
- I will apply for the state Board of Education student advisory panel when applications open
- I will be writing a play and submitting it to an agency for judging (if you win, this is a HUGE!!!!!! boost to my application. Seriously. some of the benefits include that your play gets published (you can make money!!) and performed on PBS. five grand, official, best of the best winners are chosen.)
- My summer is jam-packed in case that factors into advice. Some options or things I have in the works include a Northwestern astronomy research program (results soon!), an AI research mentorship program, a mentorship program where I create a startup, an internship at a State Representative's office, and maybe some volunteering if I can squeeze it in. I definitely will not be doing all of these things, though. Northwestern is one option and the AI and startup I'll fall back on in case the schedule doesn't work. The internship has a pretty good chance of working out.
- Possibly an NHS officer?? Elections are in May of this year. I'm not sure, but it could be possible.
- I applied for Questbridge College Prep Scholars. Again, results later this month.
Honestly, I guess my major question is: How can I make a narrative/spike out of my current strengths and my intended major? I know they should ideally match up, but in my case, where a lot of them don't, what can I do to at least tie them together or make them seem less disjointed or disconnected? How can I still make an effective narrative or case with such a wide variety of interests and whatnot?
A good way to create a spike is to think about a career goal that you have - the more niche and specific, the better. Once you have one in mind, think of how each of your extracurriculars could teach you relevant skills.
As an example, your ECs all teach you skills which could help you build a career involving forest conservation data analytics. Environmental science ECs relate to the science side of the career, international relations ECs relate to the political side, Student Advisory Council positions teach you leadership, and theater teaches you interpersonal skills such as empathy and communication.
Lastly, think of a major or major/minor combination that relates to your spike. Hope this helps!
To keep this community safe and supportive:
Update: for local/district leadership and whatnot, I did end up getting accepted to a district wellness committee with only a few other students accepted as well. Maybe this changes something, but I thought I should let y'all know.