Extracurricular writing portion

<p>Hey,</p>

<p>I was reading an old article that detailed part of the Stanford admission process. It talked about one student, a strong applicant, who was denied because he seemed to lack passion. </p>

<p>"Though he appeared to be a hard worker with a strong academic record that impressed the readers of his file, the consensus was that he didn't display passion or originality of thought." </p>

<p>I'm worried I may seem like this, too, given my record (very strong academically, lots of AP's, extracurriculars, running, etc etc) and how much I am involved in. I'm involved in 8 true extracurricular activities (cross country running, hi-q team, envirathon team, interact president, NHS, teen court/mock trial, democrats club, SGA) with a few less significant others. I seem to think that doing all this, and having that good record, may come off that I am just doing whatever I can to try and impress adcoms - and that I lack focus and passion.</p>

<p>I was hoping to try and combat this in the EC writing section. However, it says to elaborate on ONE activity. I was hoping to talk about ALL of my activities, and talk about why I am involved in them, how they relate to me and my beleifs/philosophies/interests.</p>

<p>Do you think this would be OK, and furthermore, do you think this would be smart? </p>

<p>Thanks a bunch guys.</p>

<p>Also - if you have any ideas on how to address my concerns, I'm open.. haha.
-AND... I've heard before from an adcom that by extracurricular they just what to know what the heck you do besides eat, sleep, and study. ANYTHING! Babysitting my 1.5 yr old nephew came to mind, as did keeping up with domestic issues such as politics and the economy, and debating everything from why we should have a gold backed currency, to ancient and pagan influences on the catholic church, to what humans miss in our observation of reality through our senses, to the intentions behind the second amendment. </p>

<p>Do you think putting something in about these things would be a good idea???</p>

<p>Thanks again... haha :)</p>

<p>Stick with the prompt and address only one activity in depth. </p>

<p>Looking at your range of activities and your intent in discussing their relationship to your beliefs, philosophies and interests, I think that would result in a very superficial essay since you only have 150 words. </p>

<p>The range and depth of your ECs will be represented in the Activities section, what they really want in the essay is to know how you think and feel about something you do.</p>