I’m applying to Stanford, a couple Ivies, UC’s and some states, but I was wondering whether I could use cardiology as my “spike” in admissions. I have a family member that passed away from a heart attack and this really compelled me to start research, a company, and volunteer for the American Heart Association. I want to know whether this is counted as a “spike” and whether this interest in Cardiology is common among high-schoolers.
Whether or not it as seen as a spike or not, I will continue my work in this field and pursue my passions. I absolutely love studying the heart and no college decision can take that away from me. Just searching for some insight and opinions.
You should define the research you have facilitated , the company you have started, and your role in the AHA. Specifics matter.
You mean I should tell you, or do you mean on my application? @Sybylla
Hmmmm. A little unusual about Cardiology as your spike. And in HS? That means you actually focused (as opposed to being well-rounded) studying this in HS. Therefore you should demonstrate work that you’ve done, not merely express interest in this field. These include research, internship, competitions, etc pertaining to Cardiology.
I would think it is a stretch to be monomaniacal at that age. Certainly you have had other relatives die of other causes. Would suicide from schizophrenia be unworthy of Stanford for example? Seems contrived to me. Just my 2 cents.
It’s clearly important to you, so go for it! As others have said, it will be important to focus on the work you’ve done and what you’ve accomplished. Avoid writing an essay that flat-out says “I want to study cardiology and only cardiology”. Even though YOU know that’s what you want to pursue, there’s a possibility that an AO will read that as “I’m too immature to know that my interests may change”.
Instead, write the essay that says, “I’ve accomplished a lot in this area because of its great personal importance to me. Here’s the personal story, which will take up most of this essay and demonstrate my excellent writing skills as well as my commitment to studying the heart.”
@catbird1 Thank you so much!
@Kaimito Do you say “hmmm” as skepticism or are you just emphasizing that it’s unusual.
@WISdad23 Believe what you want…
Unusual. I can probably see that more if you’re applying for graduate school. It will make more sense. High school? I’m not saying it’s impossible, it’s unusual. Even a stretch. Think about it. How are going to present yourself to the admission officer who is reading your application? How will you support it? Maybe on your essay. Definitely! But to show work done in HS specifically about Cardiology?
An interest isn’t a spike. How one pursues it and what one accomplishes might be. But you haven’t told enough. Lots of 16-17 year olds aiming at tippy tops id some interest, many in medicine. Some will say it’s based on a family issue. Many do research and volunteer, some start some venture of some sort. What matters is more how this adds up. And still, what else you did that had impact, even small. Schools like S snd the Ivies will look at your whole picture. Not just related to “passions.”
Don’t assume your writing should focus on or explain your story, for a tippy top. It might tug a heart string, but it’s not an attribute the most competitive colleges look for. Read up on what the TTs say they look for.
A problem with asking for some insight and opinions especially from internet strangers is sometimes you get a response that you may not like to hear. @Wisdad23 “offered his 2 cents.” Your response is “Believe what you want.” Your response comes across as a little snarky, immature, not exactly top tier college material. Just my 2 cents.
@Jugulator20 You’re right, I shouldn’t have said that. I apologize
What on earth is a “spike”?
If cardiology and heart health is something that you are interested in - enough that you started doing research and your own company and volunteer for the AHA - then by all means, talk about it. You can explain why it’s an area of focus for you.
Yes, interest in cardiology is pretty common amongst high schoolers and early college students. When I asked pre-meds what specialty they were intending to enter, if they had one picked out cardiology was one of the most common answers.