<p>OK for background I'm not really interested in going to an Ivy-type place, but am considering applying to one just because I'd regret never knowing if I would get accepted.
I haven't done anything of note in high school extracurricular-wise (though I was on the #1 U-9 baseball team in the U.S. in 2004 lol), but I DO have some notable video game accomplishments. </p>
<p>I was top 5 in the world in Halo Wars (over a million people have played this game)
Top 40 worldwide in Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath
Top 50 worldwide in Supreme Commander 2</p>
<p>Could I put these on an application to a Harvard-ish place? It seems like with the uninteresting mass of applicants with 4.0 GPA's and 2300 SAT's and volunteer-work in Sub-Saharan Africa that this would set me apart for proving that I can do great things (in a way).</p>
<p>You just made my day.</p>
<p>It shows you have a deep commitment to the art of video games</p>
<p>Unless you want to give a ad com a good laugh, no.</p>
<p>I mean why not though. I’m gonna have a about a 3.8-3.9 UW GPA with 9 or 10 AP’s, probably about a 2100+ on the SAT, I really don’t see why an admissions guy wouldn’t like this, especially at a crapshoot place like Harvard.
It’s not like starting some generic club like everybody else or doing uneventful volunteer work, it’s deciding I want to do something and then literally becoming one of the best in the world at it. It’s better than what like 98% of other high-schoolers will accomplish.</p>
<p>It’s differentiation, people.</p>
<p>ummm…dont. It shows u have little commitment to real home work. Maybe u can incorporate it into an essay about perseverance?? Even that doesnt sound good… lol</p>
<p>Most of the accomplishments that you’re referring to as “generic” actually have some purpose. It’s not about showing that you’re the best, it’s about showing that you have commitment to advancing some aspect of your community or your life, benefiting others in the process.</p>
<p>
You shouldn’t give away so much information about yourself here.</p>
<p>You might as well put the Halo thing, though. You spent so much time on it, so you should go for it.</p>
<p>^^^ No I have good grades. The point is that I managed to get good grades WHILE I was one of the best in the world at what I enjoyed. </p>
<p>And ^^
Oh please. Little high school clubs mean nothing to the community. A bit of volunteering done to pad a college application means nothing. College and society at large wants winners. I’ve proven I’m a winner, by objective measures. If I was top 50 in the country in amateur tennis or something, it’d be a no-brainer to put it in the app, why should video games necessarily be different?</p>
<p>Well, you could always tie it into a essay where you say you help teach younger kids how to play video games? Or if you plan on majoring in video game development (or similar), this could work well for you.</p>
<p>Now I’m confused as to why you asked for advice, yet you’re shooting down any comments that oppose your opinion (i.e. anything we say).</p>
<p>^ I’m pretty much looking for an argument, yeah. It’s all in good fun though, debating is like animal crackers for me; pure addictive entertainment.</p>
<p>Honestly go for it…</p>
<p>Depends on what you’re majoring in. That said, I think you should do it, your application will be memorable and you probably wont be forgotten. XD</p>
<p>I think the OP has a valid point, although I don’t think he should do it.</p>
<p>When you think about it, why do admission offices value sports when those activities that really have no educational value?</p>
<p>Go for it man! (sorry for gender stereotype, but I assumed you’re a guy)</p>
<p>They could view sports as better than video games because the former lead to a healthier person, while the latter can cause health problems (though certain games, like Tetris, help your logical problem solving; there are also a few other benefits, along with the problems).</p>
<p>But it’s more likely just a traditional value on sports and “high society” frowning on video games nowadays.</p>
<p>Anyway, I say he should put it. It’s something he spent a lot of time on, and it could be impressive, if for nothing but dedication. Plus, it gives a better picture of who he is.</p>
<p>TMI. I doubt it would help with admissions</p>
<p>hahahahaha DO IT!!!</p>
<p>Pretty sure you’re just ■■■■■■■■ but on the off chance that you’re not:
Do it! DO IT! DO IT!</p>
<p>It will be epic lawlz, whatever the result.</p>