Which ECs to list on application? Limited to only a few

Question

I have numerous ECs and the system only allows me to list a few.

Should I aim to have all different ECs highlighted across my essays, resume and the application?

For example, I discuss two ECs inside one of the essays, but they were also the more important ones. Should I list these same ones inside the application again or try to put in new ones?

Should I try to prioritize the most recent/current ones into the application?

aerien · Answer

Most applications ask you to list ECs in order of importance to you. With that in mind, I would prioritize recent activities over ones you did in college (unless you're applying with little to no work experience, in which case that may be all you have). I would avoid listing anything from high school unless it played significantly in your college experience/scholarship (e.g., a national award ... Gates Millennium Scholarship, Siemens, etc)

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi there,

Well this is a question that has a few different answers but here's some guidance. If you've written about it in your essays, you PROBABLY should include it but that isn't hard nor fast. Some schools give different directions. Some ask for the most impactful ECs. Some for recent. Some for active. Some at your discretion.

What you should prioritize are the ones that most tie into your story while providing a little breadth and depth. If your main thing is you do a lot of pro bono consulting, then all those projects should show and then you should take up the rest of the slots with more diverse options. Most schools also ask for time commitment so choose initiatives that took some time. Lastly, as far as recent-ness goes, you have a little leeway. Try not to go beyond the last 3 years unless it directly ties to your story (but if it does, then chances are you have examples in the last 3 years). If they're current, all the better.

There's no right answer - you need to triangulate in and pull a few levers until you have a representative yet impactful list. Let me know if you have any other questions - good luck!

Bhavik

InterviewBay2 · Answer

It is important that you highlight the extra curricular activities that showcase your leadership experience or international exposure. So, if you have extra-curriculars where you've held a leadership position, there is no problem in repeating them in your application. If you have less number of such extra-curriculars, then try to mention different extra-curriculars on different parts of the application. If they are very 10 or 15 years ago, it adds less value. So, focus on the recent ones. Prioritize the important ones if you don’t have space. Once you complete your application, try getting it reviewed by an alumnus of your target school. Good Luck! www.interviewbay.com

Admissionado · Answer

Okay, I'd advise a wee bit different than the above two posters (but only a wee).

Here's how I would do it (and in this order)

1. Prioritize the ECs in which you have the greatest concrete achievements.
2. Prioritize the ECs in which you have the most leadership.
3. Prioritize the ECs which show some aspect of you that the Adcom will not see in the rest of the application.

Sometimes these play against each other, and then you have to make a decision. As Bhavik wrote, there is no "formula", although there is something that will likely work better for you.

Which ECs to list on application? Limited to only a few

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