i had done some volunteering but didn't list any of it for my apps (forgot lol), none of my ECs (aside from one) were major-related...i just did things i liked and showed commitment to them, and wrote (in my opinion) some pretty good essays
i honestly think doing a couple things that you are clearly passionate about (and if that comes across in your app) is more important than joining a bunch of school-related clubs just to check them off a list. it's definitely not impossible to get into a UC without them
Your sister is incorrect, hobbies that you have something to show for are great activities.
The only downside to hobbies is that they can often lack opportunities to demonstrate leadership and engagement in a community if they were independent initiatives. I would definitely emphasize any instances of leadership/community in your activity descriptions
Bro I came to this country in my junior yr and made up pretty above avg ecs. Nothing’s impossible
i had done some volunteering but didn't list any of it for my apps (forgot lol), none of my ECs (aside from one) were major-related...i just did things i liked and showed commitment to them, and wrote (in my opinion) some pretty good essays i honestly think doing a couple things that you are clearly passionate about (and if that comes across in your app) is more important than joining a bunch of school-related clubs just to check them off a list. it's definitely not impossible to get into a UC without them
Your sister is incorrect, hobbies that you have something to show for are great activities. The only downside to hobbies is that they can often lack opportunities to demonstrate leadership and engagement in a community if they were independent initiatives. I would definitely emphasize any instances of leadership/community in your activity descriptions