Do extra curricular matter for college

Training Advice/Discussion General

1 year ago 03/27/2023 10:54pm EDT

Trying to go to Princeton (parents went there, brother going there). I have lots of potential in running but I have injury issues and can’t seem to break my injury cycle. Super frustrating, but working on it. I’m a sophomore girl, and have only made it through 2/5 seasons without getting injured in the middle. So, I don’t think I can get the insane times needed for running, even though I want to.

Other than running and double legacy, I have A-s, As, and A+s. Far from perfect grades but I’m in the hardest classes and try my best. I haven’t taken the SAT/ACT yet but am prepping.

However, I don’t know if I have strong extracurriculars…do I? I don’t think it’s nearly enough:

- Running (2x XC state champ)

- Gymnastics (from middle school, not sure if that counts but 4x state champ)

- Summer job

- Published photographer

- A random history award (still in the process of this project, hopefully moving onto the state and then maybeee national level)

- Crossword puzzle publisher? (NYT?)**

- What else do I need?? Definitely more right? What?

**I love crossword puzzles, so I made one that I’m going to submit to NYT. They get tons of submissions so it’s probably not going to happen. If not, I will be submitting it to somewhere smaller like my town’s magazine.

And, for running, I don’t think that’s possible. But just curious, what are the XC and distance track times like today?

1 year ago 03/27/2023 10:58pm EDT

re: ECs

1 year ago 03/27/2023 11:01pm EDT

re: important factor

1 year ago 03/27/2023 11:01pm EDT

re: ECs

Your parents know more than anyone here.

1 year ago 03/27/2023 11:03pm EDT

re: ECs

That's tough but isn't as bad as being Asian. Aim to be a state champ in track (maybe the 3200?) and keep your grades up. Aiming for a national level EC is also good

1 year ago 03/28/2023 1:56am EDT

re: important factor

You really should talk to your HS counselor about the whole college search/application/admissions process and consider a handful of schools to apply to in addition to Princeton. Part of this process is campus visits and meeting with admissions officers who can give you better feedback on their freshman class admissions. They will tell you trends, but there's no magic formula (e.g., minimum GPA or test scores). Extracurricular activities are important to show you did more than study in HS (and will do more than study in college), but you want to explain how you contributed and what you got out of the experience. Some kids have to work throughout HS, and that's their extra-curricular.

If you are a good runner, it's possible to get recruited and help with admissions as a recruited athlete. Talk you your HS coach about running in college (including Princeton), and get the e-mail of the coach at Princeton or fill out their on-line recruiting form.

1 year ago 03/28/2023 10:55am EDT

re: ECs

Thanks guys. Does that list of ECs look long enough? I feel like it’s not unique or enough.

The running times are way out of reach, like 10:00 3k. I am way better at XC and place high at states, but I am just not much of a track runner. I can barely go sub 10:40, and I’m hopeless at the 1500/mile, but to be fair the only full seasons I’ve had have been XC. Haven’t ever done outdoor and only done 1/2 an indoor season this year and last year. I’m starting to lose hope in myself, but could it be possible if I fix my injuries?

My brother had straight A+s, class president, sports, and so much more. Also 36 on the ACT. I try but am just not on that level.

1 year ago 03/28/2023 11:11am EDT

re: ECs

You can get in because you're a legacy. Your parents know more than any person here, especially because they just went through the process with your brother.

1 year ago 03/28/2023 11:38am EDT

re: ECs

Given your situation, 1400+ on the SAT + nearly all A's could be enough -- if you can contribute to Princeton's XC team. That said, most school apps have 10 slots for extracurriculars. It wouldn't hurt to add some activities over the summer...something you're passionate about. Not just for Princeton, but also for Plan B schools. Email the coach in the summer or next fall (start of Jr year) - he's a very approachable person - to begin the conversation.

Good luck with getting healthy for running and your submission to Will Shortz.

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Do extra curricular matter for college

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