Extracurriculars

U

User919

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May 3, 2020
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Hi everyone,

I have a question about extracurriculars/grades. I have good grades in school, i'm in the top 20% of my HS class (very competitive HS), and I have been studying for standardized tests so I can only hope I get good results on those. However, I feel that I have not been in enough honors/AP classes, though I am planning on taking a good amount next year. That being said, I am really working hard at my extracurriculars to cover up the fact that my school record isn't amazing as best as I can.

I have done a lot of volunteer work to help the disabled, I am a volunteer peer tutor, am in the school band, on a public speaking/debate team, and have a summer job where I train new employees.

I have been on varsity soccer since my freshmen year, but I sadly don't think Im going to be captain senior year, as that normally goes to the recruits (im a walk on). However, I play club soccer for a top ranked club team.

Im not asking for people to "chance me" I am just wondering if you guys think im on the right track for ECs/leadership, and if anyone has tips on what I could do to boost the resume.

Thanks.
 
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One tip, in general, is to make sure you present everything in a POSITIVE way. I’m sure you are only inquiring here and therefore explaining your circumstances and reasons why...but they come off as negative. Or “excuses”. And that’s fine for here on the forums. But throughout the actual process, make sure and shine your successes in an only positive light. In your interviews and essays. Do what you do and own it.

Remember that there are many ways to lead. Doesn’t have to be a captaincy. But demonstrated leadership is necessary for any SA. Everyone else will have it and it’s a competition! Good luck to you!!
 
justdoit19 said:
Do what you do and own it.
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This is important. You need to present yourself as the best and most confident version of yourself. Don't say "I haven't taken high level classes" (although you definitely should to prepare) but instead "I am in the top 20% and I am committed to being the best learner possible etc etc"
justdoit19 said:
But demonstrated leadership is necessary for any SA.
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Leadership is arguably the most important aspect of your ECs. Leadership is not exactly an inheritant quality of a person, but a skill developed over time. This is something that will come up in interviews. Personally (and some folks may disagree with me), I think it is a good Idea to mention some failures in leadership and how that made you better. For example, I personally was the race director for a 5k/10k. In the first year, I failed to properly set up the furthest water station on the course. What I learned is the importance of logistics and to never execute without evaluating the ability of my supply chain. Stuff like that demonstrates your ability to lead and learn to become the best version of yourself.
 
I would also emphasize what you have learned from playing soccer at a high level both in high school and club. My DD played at a high-level club level (and D1 before she went to West Point)and I saw what was involved. Discipline, commitment, leadership even if you aren't a captain, "followership", working under very stressful conditions. You may hate the person next to you off the field, but you have to work together on the field. I also remember many nights driving my daughter home from practice and she was in the back seat working on homework assignments. There are many, many lessons learned on a field of competition that transcend the sport. Try to emphasize these areas.
 
UHBlackhawk said:
I would also emphasize what you have learned from playing soccer at a high level both in high school and club. My DD played at a high-level club level (and D1 before she went to West Point)and I saw what was involved. Discipline, commitment, leadership even if you aren't a captain, "followership", working under very stressful conditions. You may hate the person next to you off the field, but you have to work together on the field. I also remember many nights driving my daughter home from practice and she was in the back seat working on homework assignments. There are many, many lessons learned on a field of competition that transcend the sport. Try to emphasize these areas.
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Thanks that’s a good point. Helps a lot.
 
Captain goes to who shows leadership...I don't think they care about recruits vs. walk on if you have been on the team for 4 years. It may have to do with who is playing vs who is not.
 
jaglvr said:
My DD could tell you crazy stories of leadership failures trying to coach 5 & 6 year old cheerleaders!!
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I coached my daughters soccer teams back when they were in early grade school. It's worse than herding cats, but was really kinda cools when they finally got the concept of teamwork ..was about 3rd grade when all of a sudden the light turned on !
 
Old Navy BGO said:
I coached my daughters soccer teams back when they were in early grade school. It's worse than herding cats, but was really kinda cools when they finally got the concept of teamwork ..was about 3rd grade when all of a sudden the light turned on !
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I coached lacrosse both at the middle school and high school levels. Middle school was MUCH more enjoyable even with the "herding cats" frustration at times. I don't think I ever had an attitude problem with a middle school player. High school... man... the testosterone levels were off the charts.
 
UHBlackhawk said:
High school... man... the testosterone levels were off the charts.
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In girls sports?

21-Much-Wow-Dog-Meme.jpg
 
Both DS and DD started playing hockey at a very young age, and gender differences were clear at the beginning of each practice.

Boys: Hit the ice, immediately start taking warmup laps and pay no mind to those around you.

Girls: Hit the ice, immediately cluster with a few others, chat for a minute or so, then start taking warmup laps.

Both genders, as they got older and more competitive: “You pull some dirty crap on my teammate and we’ll do the same to you — and double!”
 
bopper said:
Captain goes to who shows leadership...I don't think they care about recruits vs. walk on if you have been on the team for 4 years. It may have to do with who is playing vs who is not.
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You are right, it does. I don't get at much time as the recruits for sure. Maybe this season though.
 
MidCakePa said:
Both DS and DD started playing hockey at a very young age, and gender differences were clear at the beginning of each practice.

Boys: Hit the ice, immediately start taking warmup laps and pay no mind to those around you.

Girls: Hit the ice, immediately cluster with a few others, chat for a minute or so, then start taking warmup laps.

Both genders, as they got older and more competitive: “You pull some dirty crap on my teammate and we’ll do the same to you — and double!”
Click to expand...
At the U-16 and above level, I actually preferred watching girl's soccer. I rarely saw a female take a dive. If one got knocked down, rather than rolling around in faked agony, they usually got right up and fought back hard. My DD played in a very competitive national league and some of the games at the high school level were ROUGH.
 
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