I’ve heard that most top colleges and ivies want to hear that you excel in one specific domain rather than attempt to be a “Jack of all trades.” How true is this? And, more specifically, does it hold true with West Point and the other Service Academies?
I’ve heard that most top colleges are trying to build a well rounded class, rather than admitting well rounded students as most people believe. Either way, almost every applicant admitted is going to be strong in all their classes and on their SAT/ACT.
@flexagons You might get better responses in CC’s Service Academy section: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/military-academy-west-point/
@psywar I will post it there also!
From reading service academy posts…you should be in a varsity sport, preferably a captain and show leadership.
Most candidates must have a spike somewhere, otherwise they come across as thousands of others. This spike can be unintentional, as a result of your background, or it can be that you do well in most subjects but excel in a particular one, such as being a high ranked ballet dancer or working under the governor of your state for some years.
For the service academies, showing great potential in a STEM or language is a plus (besides the top level sports leadership)
I don’t think there is one answer for top colleges. I have known both type of students to get into them (pointy and more well rounded). I do think it is fair to say that ECs that go against the flow (are uncommon) and that you are committed to and accomplished in are helpful. When you think about it, there are about 30,000 high schools in the US. That means 30,000 vals, sals, newspaper editors, student body presidents, quiz bowl captains, basketball captains, etc. Do something that you find interesting.
Now… the service academies are different. I don’t think going against the flow is the key at all there.
Even a well-rounded class will need some well rounded students, but I think it’s easier to sell yourself if you are pointy. I agree that service academies are different, they are looking for leadership, athletic ability and usually STEM ability.