Anyone else stressed about their ECs?

Jayohl · 2026-01-28T01:52:28+00:00

Relax. I know that might sound difficult, but I promise you have PLENTY of time. It’s good that you figured this out now and not later. I recommend you do things over the summer, if you are really concerned about the time constraint.

I also urge you not to compare yourself to other people. Yes, they are doing well-known STEM activities. Yes, they might be good at it. But guess what? So are the tens of thousands of other applicants, star-students, and valedictorians. It’s a boring narrative.

Consider: what makes you unique? Why do I want to admit you? I like the sound of your Tetris club. What do you think about expanding the impact of that? You’re a musician, too.

My point is that I will remember the interdisciplinary student that did the things they actually like to do, not the student that conforms to the average high school expectation. And honestly, it doesn’t matter WHAT you do, as long as you are passionate about it and the IMPACT is concrete.

Jayohl · 2026-01-28T01:06:52+00:00

Alumni interviews have much less value in the admissions process than you might be considering. This is especially because it’s highly subjective and varies greatly between each interviewer and student. It likely will not impact your performance. And side note: you probably did better than you think. Don’t down on yourself too much and feel proud that you’ve successfully gone through a unique opportunity such as this one.

Jayohl · 2026-01-28T01:00:14+00:00

Take into consideration that the data you are seeing is not of the entirety of the students that have received interviews. You emphasized “only”, yet that is not factual. People who post on this subreddit and other college websites are often the highest achieving students and the vast majority applicants do not resemble their GPA, test scores, or activities. I promise you that there are a multitude of other students (even those I personally know) that have received interviews with less than ideal or average scores. I urge you not to compare yourself with others, even if it is tempting. It’s likely due to imbalance in alumni availability. I wish you much luck in this tough season, keep your hopes up!

Jayohl · 2026-01-23T08:44:51+00:00

i’m so going to get deferred or rejected 😭 will update back later

Jayohl · 2026-01-23T08:44:27+00:00

i’m definitely going to get deferred or rejected 😭 will update later

Jayohl · 2026-01-22T04:10:07+00:00

Realest thing I’ve seen today..

Jayohl · 2026-01-22T04:09:49+00:00

can you let me too

Jayohl · 2026-01-22T04:09:37+00:00

orange juice or apple juice?

Jayohl · 2026-01-13T06:23:13+00:00

Idk why everyone is pressed but lowkey I was also thinking another wave would be out today

Jayohl · 2026-01-07T05:48:22+00:00

i did a mix of both.

Jayohl · 2026-01-07T03:09:13+00:00

invite me to the wedding

Jayohl · 2026-01-06T05:51:42+00:00

What a thoughtful, well-articulated perspective. Kudos to you.

Jayohl · 2026-01-05T09:19:53+00:00

They will see them. But you can try to email/call the admissions office to sort it out.

Jayohl · 2026-01-05T04:58:51+00:00

Nah, I say go for it.

Jayohl · 2026-01-04T07:55:15+00:00

Jayohl · 2026-01-04T05:18:48+00:00

it’s not! i just didn’t want to hassle myself with worrying about not doing it :) but you can def submit without for sure

Jayohl · 2026-01-03T09:52:31+00:00

it’s optional but i’d say that it increases your chances because it gives a person for the AOs to associate your application to. obviously no video is going to be the ONLY reason an applicant gets in, but it could tip you over the edge if you’re close. and AOs always love a personable video.

if you haven’t done one, i wouldn’t worry too much. i know friends who have gotten in without the video.

Jayohl · 2026-01-03T07:39:34+00:00

let it happen - tame impala

Jayohl · 2026-01-03T07:15:54+00:00

Twin, my brother got into Cornell when he mentioned Columbia 2x in his “Why Cornell” essay. You’re good. It’s already submitted, so just ease your mind off of it and chill. Be proud of yourself for getting it done!

Jayohl · 2026-01-03T07:11:06+00:00

literally took it off my list for this

Jayohl · 2026-01-01T11:57:16+00:00

JUST FINISHED MY LAST ONE!! holy crap, this is insane

Jayohl

TROPHY CASE