Chess as EC

[qw098]

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Hi guys,

How do universities look at chess as an EC?

I am a fairly competitive chess player, having achieved the "Master title". Do universities think highly of chess?

Thanks!

 

[UVAbme2009]

I don't know what the Master title is or how hard it is to obtain it, but I would guess that's it's a plus. It's not going to get you into med school, but it will help.

 

[hiyaman]

Yes, list it. Its a great hobby and it sounds like youve been in a lot of competitions (for the master title).

 

[StoicJosher]

I'm just going to quote NickNaylor on this coz he put it perfectly.

I can only speak for myself, but it's all in how you portray the experience. If it was extremely important to you, really shaped your undergrad experience, and can somehow demonstrate an aptitude for medicine, then the experience (club sports or otherwise) will likely be looked on favorably. When I'm reading activity descriptions to prepare for interviews, the title of the activity or the kind of activity really isn't important for me. It's all in how the activity is described, ESPECIALLY if it's marked as one of your "meaningful" activities.

In short, if you give off the perception that the activity was meaningful and formative for you, it will likely be valuable from the perspective of the adcom. Just because something is "club sports" (or in your case, chess) doesn't make it inherently invaluable IMO.

 

[typhoonegator]

I assume that title comes with a monogramed cape.

All kidding aside, of course it is a respectable EC. If I interviewed you, I would find that interesting, and a good conversation starter. It shows you are committed, studious, analytical, and competitive. If asked about you later, it would jog my memory.

"qw098? Oh, you mean the chess master! That person is awesome. And I assume he/she has a cape."

I don't know anyone who would say, "Chess? What a garbage activity! Come back when you've done something normative, like marching band or tennis". Except maybe meatheads, and they are not usually the ones reading your application.

 

[EBTrailRunner]

I think it's a great activity to bring up, but be careful not to draw any comparison between yourself and Bobby Fischer during an interview.

 

[qw098]

Thanks guys! Great tidbits of advice!

Careful not to draw any comparison between yourself and Bobby Fischer during an interview.

I LOL'ed in real life at that 🙂

 

[TribalSeeds]

Fellow chess player here. I would definitely put it down on your app. You could also think about teaching kids to play as a volunteer project too. Might give you some extra points

 

[varsityblue]

Heck yes! Chess is about as intellectually demanding of an EC as you can get. 🙂