I often wonder what colleges look for in an applicant. Some say grades are most important, while others stress the value of extracurriculars on a resume.
Elite colleges, such as Ivy League universities suggest that they look for a balance between the two; but this is a fine, undefined line.
Would these colleges prefer a student who is well-rounded, but not great at anything, or a student who is focused on one thing, but is very good at that.
One thing that is quite certain, however, is that excellent grades are a must for Ivy League colleges. The question is what else one has to do to get accepted into such a university.
I have heavily researched this topic in the past, and I have found that both rounded students, and students with one specialized skill have made it to these colleges.
The information I do not have is which happens more often, and how good is good enough to be acceptable for college applications.
Consider the following; an art student applies to Columbia University, for a major in economics. How talented would that artist have to be to get an acceptance letter simply for his or her art?
In addition, how is skill or talent measured in something as open-ended as art?
If the student had a 4.0 GPA, would they be accepted into Columbia University just for that? It’s not impossible, but highly unlikely. These days students have to prove themselves in other ways.
Lastly, if that student focused only on art during high school, will it hurt their chances of getting accepted into Columbia? Would it have been better if they tried many things, rather than limit themselves to only art?
Many high school students ask themselves these questions daily. I personally wonder if I should keep swimming, and focus on that for the next 4 years, or broaden my horizons.
Many people may be wondering, “Why can’t she do both?”
Typically, practice for any sport is 2 hours per day, plus competitions on the weekends. That in addition to school work makes it nearly impossible to take on several more activities.
At club rush this year, I joined 10 new clubs. If I can keep up, my schedule will be jam packed.
It is my hope that all this effort will be worth it, and 4 years later I won’t regret putting myself through so much stress so colleges will deem me “well-rounded.”
Deesha Pathak 