<p>(Not specifically geared towards Harvard, Ivys in general) I've won a few slam poetry competitions and scholarships,also plan on graduating my 12 yr (consecutive ~parents wanted me to keep in touch with culture~ ) saturday school of polish history and the arts with a few polish lit awards as well. However, I really want to study econ. at college. Should I focus on adding business-related ecs on my app, instead of directing my energy towards poetry? Thank you in advance. </p>
<p>Watch this video from a former Stanford Admissions Director: <a href=“Erinn Andrews, Former Stanford Admissions Officer, Video Case Study #2 - YouTube”>Erinn Andrews, Former Stanford Admissions Officer, Video Case Study #2 - YouTube. Notice two things: (1) how she goes over the EC list looking for what the student did outside of the classroom, trying to find what that applicant is passionate about, and (2) the student must have padded their EC list, as they couldn’t possibly have had the time to do everything they claimed. I imagine Harvard looks at applications the same way. So rather than ask “What should I focus my energies on?” ask “What do I most like to do? What makes me smile?” And then follow your gut, as no one can really answer that question for you.</p>
<p>1) It will look really obvious if you’re trying to be someone you aren’t on an application that focuses on personality and passion, rather than concrete accomplishments and affiliations. </p>
<p>2) Economics and business are two different disciplines. I know most high school students have limited exposure to the former, but after reading a few wikipedia articles about economics, this should be clear. </p>
<p>3) So many people want to major in economics, solely to get a high-paying job (i.e. investment banking) after graduation – not out of genuine interest in the discipline. As such, colleges don’t get excited by a prospective economics major; they’re a dime-a-dozen.</p>
<p>I’m not telling you what you should do, but you should not falsify or exaggerate interests to “help” your application</p>