<p>I'm a typical Asian (sophomore) who gets good grades, volunteers, and participates in many extracurricular activities. However, I don't think that I stand out from other applicants at all, because I don't have a ""passion"". Many people have told me that in order to get into a top university, I have to find my passion and be amazing at it. I was thinking about violin, but I realized that I'm not good at all, and I would never be able to be amazing at it by the time I submit my college applications (even with private lessons). However, I am indeed very interested in neuroscience (the brain, behaviors, psychology), but would that count as a passion? How would I incorporate it into my extracurriculars to stand out from others? Should I enter science competitions/fairs and win them, to prove my dedication/passion to that subject? I'm already in Science Olympiad and Environmental Club (both clubs about science, obviously) as well as volunteer at a doctor's office. Is there anything else I could do?</p>
<p>You could do some shadowing, summer surgical programs (I know Stanford has some), start a neuroscience club, or take related science classes at a uni during the summer. Science competitions/fairs are also a good idea. Try to get an internship at a local university and do neuroscience research.</p>
<p>If science isn’t a passion, than I don’t know what is. </p>
<p>Here’s what you do, email a bunch university professors studying neuroscience or related fields around where you are, telling them that you’re interested in their research and would like to have the chance to talk to them about it and learn more. If you get any positive responses, visit their lab, learn more about their research, and see if they’ll give you the opportunity to help out in their lab. Make a good impression, flatter them, etc. Actually read a couple of their papers before going. I haven’t personally been able to get into a lab for my passion, Biomedical Science, but there’s no pain in trying. I have friends that have been able to get into labs.</p>
<p>Whether you’re able to succeed in getting laboratory space or not, another big thing to consider is Science Fair. There are plenty of high school students that are absolutely brilliant. The ISEF winner a couple of years ago made an inexpensive paper-based test for pancreatic cancer. It’s amazing to see what other students have done. Science Fair is definitely a big deal and a big consideration for someone wanting to make science their passion. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t suggest a program like Kouren said just because they’re expensive, and frankly, you could get better experience if you were able to intern at a lab. </p>
<p>I hope this helps somewhat. </p>
<p>Anything and everything can be a passion, and its silly to think that anywhere near a decent amount of high schoolers have found theirs yet. And, in my opinion, you don’t need to be good at something for it to be a passion, at least when you find it. If you find a passion, you will want to work on it and improve, and that is where the skill is developed, through the passion while also strengthening it. So don’t eliminate options based off of skill.</p>
<p>While internships and research of course help, colleges will realize that it isn’t realistic to expect a student to land such a gig. There are plenty of other ways to spin your passion into your app. Essentially, it needs to be the focal point of your app if it is a true passion. If you have lots of ties, no matter how big, to that area, it will be clear what you care about. Usually the best place to do the legwork is in your essays.</p>
<p>I will say this though: don’t pretend to have a passion for college. Not for any “its not right” reason, we all know college admissions is just a big game, but because if its not properly conveyed it can come off negatively by minimizing other parts of yourself for something non-genuine or that will be seen as such by those reviewing your app.</p>
<p>A second option would to be rather than call it a passion, discuss your search for one, and thus introduce neuroscience as a possibility, and use your resume to show how you have begun to pursue it. It will show colleges awareness, growth, and a curiosity to learn, along with the rest of your academics. I am guessing it will also be in theme with your major choice on the application(bio or neuro, or some sort of related field, etc). This will give you an honest dimension to your application with many qualities that colleges value.</p>
<p>As far as what you can do, you seem to be on the right track. While not any use for college apps, research outside of the classroom will be very good for your personal growth. In this day and age, you can learn so much without anything more than a computer. Don’t think you need to be an intern in a lab to start learning. I would recommend a book if you are interested to get started.</p>
<p>The Future of The Mind - Michio Kaku</p>
<p>It is a great introduction to neuroscience written by one of the most relevant people in the field right now, and currently very up to date, though I suspect it won’t be for long with the acceleration of the field recently.</p>
<p>Wow, thank you everyone! I’m definitely going to pursue my passion of neuroscience, now that I know I can do it. Thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>You can also take a leadership role in one of the clubs you’re in! For example, have your environmental club clean up the local park or beach and organize the event. Additionally, run for an office (like President or Vice President) in the club!</p>