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How to implement ECs that aren't related to my major in a college application?
I am applying to college soon, but my major is not anywhere near what my ECs are. I've started selling clothes, made a social media platform where I gained 20k followers writing stories. But I want to major in Engineering, or a specialty in it. They are not related in any aspect, but other than that, I do volunteer services at school clubs. Should I implement these ECs? I'm afraid I might sound too random.
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4 answers
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Sanjeev’s Answer
Sure thing! You got this! Choosing a major can be overwhelming, but it's also an exciting journey of self-discovery. Start by exploring your interests and what makes you curious. Research different majors and their career paths. Talk to professionals in fields you like. Take advantage of college opportunities to explore through internships and workshops. Remember, it's okay to be uncertain – college is about growth. Trust yourself and enjoy the process! You'll find the right path for you! 😊
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Abby,
Mastering the Art of Incorporating Unrelated Extracurricular Activities into Your College Application
Applying for college often involves showcasing extracurricular activities (ECs) that might not directly tie into your chosen major. In your situation, you have experience in clothing sales, managing a substantial social media following, and volunteering at school clubs. Despite your interest in Engineering or a similar field, there are effective ways to weave these diverse experiences into your college application.
1. Spotlight Your Transferable Skills: One strategy is to underline the transferable skills you've acquired from your ECs that are relevant to your prospective major. For instance, in engineering, abilities such as problem-solving, creativity, communication, leadership, and project management are highly sought after. You can illustrate how your experiences in clothing sales and social media management have refined these skills.
2. Demonstrate Passion and Dedication: Admissions officers value applicants who show a strong commitment to their interests. Even if your ECs might not seem directly linked to engineering, highlighting your dedication and accomplishments in these areas can exhibit qualities like initiative, ambition, and resilience – all crucial for success in any field.
3. Bridge the Gap: Discover ways to link your varied experiences with your passion for engineering. For example, you could explain how your entrepreneurial activities have fueled an interest in innovation and problem-solving, key elements of engineering. Moreover, you can discuss how volunteering has honed your teamwork and collaboration skills – vital for engineering projects.
4. Offer Context: When detailing your ECs in your college application, provide background and insights into why you chose these activities. Discuss how they've influenced your personal growth, shaped your career goals, or added to your overall personal development. This narrative can help admissions officers comprehend the importance of these experiences in relation to your academic aspirations.
5. Obtain Recommendations: Think about getting recommendation letters from mentors or supervisors who can vouch for the skills and qualities you've displayed through your ECs. Their viewpoints can further validate your abilities and strengths beyond what your application shows.
In conclusion, while it may seem daunting to include ECs that don't directly relate to your major in a college application, by strategically framing them and highlighting the transferable skills and personal growth they've facilitated, you can present a comprehensive profile that exhibits your varied abilities and potential for success in engineering or any other field you opt to pursue.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used:
The College Board: The College Board is a well-respected source known for offering guidance on college admissions procedures and prerequisites. Their advice on crafting compelling college applications is invaluable for students looking for effective ways to present their extracurricular activities.
U.S. News & World Report - Education Section: U.S. News & World Report’s Education section provides extensive resources on college admissions strategies and advice for applicants. Their articles frequently address topics related to showcasing diverse experiences in college applications.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC is a reliable organization that offers resources and guidelines for students navigating the college admission process. Their advice on emphasizing unique extracurricular activities can provide valuable insights for applicants aiming to stand out in their applications.
God Bless You,
JC.
Mastering the Art of Incorporating Unrelated Extracurricular Activities into Your College Application
Applying for college often involves showcasing extracurricular activities (ECs) that might not directly tie into your chosen major. In your situation, you have experience in clothing sales, managing a substantial social media following, and volunteering at school clubs. Despite your interest in Engineering or a similar field, there are effective ways to weave these diverse experiences into your college application.
1. Spotlight Your Transferable Skills: One strategy is to underline the transferable skills you've acquired from your ECs that are relevant to your prospective major. For instance, in engineering, abilities such as problem-solving, creativity, communication, leadership, and project management are highly sought after. You can illustrate how your experiences in clothing sales and social media management have refined these skills.
2. Demonstrate Passion and Dedication: Admissions officers value applicants who show a strong commitment to their interests. Even if your ECs might not seem directly linked to engineering, highlighting your dedication and accomplishments in these areas can exhibit qualities like initiative, ambition, and resilience – all crucial for success in any field.
3. Bridge the Gap: Discover ways to link your varied experiences with your passion for engineering. For example, you could explain how your entrepreneurial activities have fueled an interest in innovation and problem-solving, key elements of engineering. Moreover, you can discuss how volunteering has honed your teamwork and collaboration skills – vital for engineering projects.
4. Offer Context: When detailing your ECs in your college application, provide background and insights into why you chose these activities. Discuss how they've influenced your personal growth, shaped your career goals, or added to your overall personal development. This narrative can help admissions officers comprehend the importance of these experiences in relation to your academic aspirations.
5. Obtain Recommendations: Think about getting recommendation letters from mentors or supervisors who can vouch for the skills and qualities you've displayed through your ECs. Their viewpoints can further validate your abilities and strengths beyond what your application shows.
In conclusion, while it may seem daunting to include ECs that don't directly relate to your major in a college application, by strategically framing them and highlighting the transferable skills and personal growth they've facilitated, you can present a comprehensive profile that exhibits your varied abilities and potential for success in engineering or any other field you opt to pursue.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used:
The College Board: The College Board is a well-respected source known for offering guidance on college admissions procedures and prerequisites. Their advice on crafting compelling college applications is invaluable for students looking for effective ways to present their extracurricular activities.
U.S. News & World Report - Education Section: U.S. News & World Report’s Education section provides extensive resources on college admissions strategies and advice for applicants. Their articles frequently address topics related to showcasing diverse experiences in college applications.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC is a reliable organization that offers resources and guidelines for students navigating the college admission process. Their advice on emphasizing unique extracurricular activities can provide valuable insights for applicants aiming to stand out in their applications.
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Sami’s Answer
Hi Abby,
You should definitely include these extra curriculars in your application. I do not completely agree with the fact that these ECs are not related to your intended major. Part of creating a successful application is creating a well rounded story. If you can show how the skills you gained from your clothing business or social media platform have given you the creativity, problem solving and communication abilities necessary to be a successful engineering major, you should be fine. I applied to college hoping to be a math major with a lot of art related ECs. They key is to find a link between the two and portray that connection through words.
Good luck with your applications!
You should definitely include these extra curriculars in your application. I do not completely agree with the fact that these ECs are not related to your intended major. Part of creating a successful application is creating a well rounded story. If you can show how the skills you gained from your clothing business or social media platform have given you the creativity, problem solving and communication abilities necessary to be a successful engineering major, you should be fine. I applied to college hoping to be a math major with a lot of art related ECs. They key is to find a link between the two and portray that connection through words.
Good luck with your applications!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Abby !
It's good that you've asked this question and I am happy to give you some advice about it.
Yes, definitely include all of your EC's on a resume and an application. Since you specifically mention that you sell clothing, include that as self-employment. There are things happening with technology related to fashion that you might discover in your engineering studies and you may very well see that fashion and engineering may have ties. Since you've also created a media platform, that also shows that you have certain skills that will be useful with almost any major or career. Include all of it. It will show your skill and creativity.
Mostly everyone is involved in some sort of skill building sideline outside of their career, so it will not seem unusual. Whether it's doing research outside of your chosen field, acting in community theater, writing movie reviews for a website, it all shows that you have the abilty to be versatile and able to focus on a variety of things. Also, that you are productive and disciplined.
You will also want to include any unpaid activity you have done or are doing as volunteer work. Even if it is child care or housekeeping/cleaning for someone. That counts, too. When people see a strong amount of EC's, they get the feeling that the prospective student has a certain level of maturity and motivation and those are two ingredients that make for a successful academic experience.
Including all of your EC's will show the school that you are active and you can put your mind to your interests. Some people may not have anything to put down on the application and by you doing so, you will stand out as unique and special. It will all be in your favor. A good thing about the media platform is that you have something tangible to show a prospective evaluator. Include the web URL in your application when you write about it so they may actually see your work. The skills you have with web creation can be applied to just about any line of work.
Best wishes to you as you move along towards a wonderful academic time of your life !
It's good that you've asked this question and I am happy to give you some advice about it.
Yes, definitely include all of your EC's on a resume and an application. Since you specifically mention that you sell clothing, include that as self-employment. There are things happening with technology related to fashion that you might discover in your engineering studies and you may very well see that fashion and engineering may have ties. Since you've also created a media platform, that also shows that you have certain skills that will be useful with almost any major or career. Include all of it. It will show your skill and creativity.
Mostly everyone is involved in some sort of skill building sideline outside of their career, so it will not seem unusual. Whether it's doing research outside of your chosen field, acting in community theater, writing movie reviews for a website, it all shows that you have the abilty to be versatile and able to focus on a variety of things. Also, that you are productive and disciplined.
You will also want to include any unpaid activity you have done or are doing as volunteer work. Even if it is child care or housekeeping/cleaning for someone. That counts, too. When people see a strong amount of EC's, they get the feeling that the prospective student has a certain level of maturity and motivation and those are two ingredients that make for a successful academic experience.
Including all of your EC's will show the school that you are active and you can put your mind to your interests. Some people may not have anything to put down on the application and by you doing so, you will stand out as unique and special. It will all be in your favor. A good thing about the media platform is that you have something tangible to show a prospective evaluator. Include the web URL in your application when you write about it so they may actually see your work. The skills you have with web creation can be applied to just about any line of work.
Best wishes to you as you move along towards a wonderful academic time of your life !