Which is better, and why?
I want to major in STEM (probably engineering or computer science) but my extracurriculars relate to mostly STEM, business, politics, etc… Would this be a bad thing? I’m not doing them for college, but I’m doing them because I truly enjoy them.
Being well-rounded for the sake of being well-rounded is wasteful. Having a spike for the sake of having a spike is wasteful. Do what you love.
Either/or. What matters is what is important to you. And don’t try to be something you’re not.
No.
FYI, while some colleges like to assemble a well-rounded class, that does not mean a class of well-rounded kids. Nor does it mean a class of pointy kids.
You do you, and trust when the time comes that there will be colleges that value that.
Yes, it helps when individuals are rounded. They aren’t building a community of unilateral kids.
You can have some spike or spark, at the same time.
OP, what colleges?
@Waterborne This is such an amazing answer!
Have a good day!
@lookingforward I’m planning on majoring in something STEM (most likely engineering), so I will be applying to colleges like UIUC, Georgia Tech, and other top cs/eng schools.
So, without knowing your specific activities, I think you’re fine for those named. The “other top” colleges may like to see more than just ECs in the hs. Some branching out.
I would recommend focusing on one skill and getting really good at it. If you’re mediocre at engineering, business, debate, etc. and you’re not great at anything, then what does that do for them? They have plenty of people who are well-rounded and can excel in all classes. @lookingforward There’s a difference between doing well in school and being well-rounded. Being well-rounded means that you’re decent at a ton of different things. I know plenty of people who are able to learn content and do well in school, but that doesn’t mean that you’re good at these things. Everyone is able to do that. In my opinion, the spike is way more important than an ACT score. Georgia Tech has plenty of people with great ACT scores, but they don’t have a ton of people winning Intel, creating apps, running huge projects, etc.
No, being well rounded refers to pursuing various interests. Depth and breadth. Many do not understand what spike is.
Its not about Intel or being better than others. It has to do with how one pursues what he does pursue, the nature, the open mind, not “better than.” Not even “decent,” but engaged.
It is very risky to assume this is about skill level or awards.
And I didn’t mention class performance.
I have heard numerous admissions officers say that they seek to create a well rounded class – and that class will include both individuals who are well rounded and individuals with specific talents/passions. Follow whichever route is right for you.
From what I’ve seen, the kids from my school with the best chance of getting into those kinds of schools are both well rounded (in the sense that the excel in every class) and have one or more spikes (they have outstanding extracurriculars in one or more particular areas).