How do I show colleges that I'm passionate about something?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hello there.</p>

<p>I recently stumbled upon a bunch of things that I genuinely LOVE to do (finally!). I'm aware that these aren't the only things that'll get me into college, but how can I use them to do so? I know that a lot of people suggest entering tournaments and winning awards, but I haven't been doing these things long enough to be good enough to win any major awards. I don't think writing "I love to play chess. I love to play piano. I love math." on my application will really get me in.</p>

<p>So, what can I do? I've thought of trying to teach chess to younger kids at an after school program and a hospital for cancer patients. I've also thought of playing piano in public areas. But I'm not quite good enough at chess or piano to do those things yet. And what about math?</p>

<p>I want to go to Harvard/an Ivy League, and I'm a rising sophomore - so I have two years left.</p>

<p>Please help! Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>-stef1a</p>

2

<p>Bumper sticker. Always does the trick.</p>

3

<p>ohayguise, I’ve been worried about college since I came outta my mothers vag, can you please help me become awesome? ktankzbi.</p>

4

<p>Don’t tell, but show.</p>

5

<p>Get good at them, and become so good that they can’t ignore you.</p>

6

<p>Like SandwichGirl said, the only way to go is to become skilled in those areas.</p>

<p>You can’t stand out in your activities if you can’t do them as well as your competition. But once you become a fluent mathmatician/pianist/chess player, you can consider how far you want to take those passions.</p>

<p>Do you like math? Excel at math competitions (I suggest reading "The Art of Problem Solving) and get active in your school’s math team. Don’t have one? Establish one and become the chapter president. Have you considered tutoring in math? What about hosting a citywide math comp for smaller kids, then donating the fees and funds you collect to charity?</p>

<p>As for piano, I do not know your level of study, but have you considered auditioning at a music conservatory (if you live nearby)? Studying and performing at a professional conservatory will open up a whole new door of opportunity. However, if you don’t feel comfortable (or ready) enough to play in public, this development might take many years of intensified study. </p>

<p>I am not familiar with the activities that relate to chess, but I love your idea about teaching kids afterschool. Becoming a chess master however, will takes years, if not decades, or training and practice. On the other hand, even if you aren’t a nationally renowned chess player, you can always be creative with what you do by sharing your passion for chess by teaching younger kids.</p>

<p>Congratulations on finding things that truly interest you. Many of the students at my school will never find out what they enjoy because they are too busy stacking their applications with twenty clubs and ten sports they don’t care for. If you are a rising sophomore, keep working to improve in your fields of interest. Even if you feel that you aren’t a concert-level pianist, or you aren’t yet a math whiz, if you apply yourself and be creative with your passions, you will stand out from the thousands of application-padding college applicants every year. </p>

<p>Bottom line: don’t purposely TRY to “show colleges that you’re passionate.” If you do, you run the risk of appearing too packaged and ill-reasoned in your choice of ECs. “Passion” will come naturally if you truly follow your interests in math, piano, and chess.</p>

7

<p>Genuine passion shows itself. If you were really passionate, following these endeavors to their irrational extremes would mean more to you than getting into college.</p>

8

<p>Ignore showing colleges :slight_smile:
Just practice, practice, practice and many doors will open for you. ^.^</p>

<p>I’m not worried about getting awards.
I’ll probably get the majority during Junior/Senior year because I’ve been acquiring skill during Fresh/Soph years. Start looking into summer programs for next summer, then get a calendar and write down the application due dates so you don’t miss them.</p>

9

<p>^^Nicely said.</p>

10

<p>For me, getting into college is a passion itself. :(</p>

<p>But thank you all for the comments. Any other suggestions?</p>