I guess it “shows passion”. Don’t minimize the importance of effectiveness and results though. They matter too. How do you plan to demonstrate and quantify them off op-eds and PowerPoint presentations?
I believe both topics show passion. I actually like the book thread better just because so many students don’t have time to read any longer due to heavy coursework and ECs.
Writing a book (and self publishing,) opinion articles/blog, a powerpoint (common in hs) aren’t tips. Nor reading or Instagram/Youtube. Your peer activity boils down to 2 clubs. No comm service.
Passion isn’t what gets one in. It’s what one actually does. has accomplished, and that impacts others. Lots of kids interested in mental health have found ways to get involved in service or advocacy. They’re finding experiences to get involved in, give their time to. Not just writing what they think about whatever.
Reading is something colleges expect all students to do. Reading many books sounds like a hobby for someone who enjoys reading but probably not a selling point for college admissions.
I agree colleges probably want to see more active involvement vs mostly computer based involvement unless you have reasons like living in a rural area. However activity does not need to be limited to school and it doesn’t all have to be related to a passion.
First, I wouldn’t put all that much stock in “passion.” I heard one Ivy Admissions officer say that was his most hated word because it is over-used so much that it has become trite.
You have a number of posts that seem to be about bulking up your ECs (ex. what club should I join, what is the better title to have in the club etc.). Honestly I don’t think anything you listed above will be considered a truly impactful EC unless a next step comes of it (ex. Who will you present your powerpoint presentation to? Will you speak to your state rep work to get a bill introduced? Will your self-published book get picked up by a publisher? etc. How many viewers does your blog have? Do you work to publicize the blogs in your community? etc.) A lot of what you have listed is reading/writing in your room. If you are truly passionate about mental health issues I would suggest you get out of your room and try to make a difference by working with people in your community, volunteering in a local hospital etc.