<p>Hello! I've applied to Harvard SCEA. I was speaking with a counselor the other day, and she mentioned that it doesn't look too good if there's some "impressive" looking thing on your resume that doesn't go with your passion and intended major, since it just looks like a resume builder. I'd like to concentrate on government if Harvard accepts me (political science, if it's a different school), and the majority of my activities are centered around what I love to do. My parents are stereotypical Asians, and they want me to go for medicine. They insisted I do research this past summer at a university, so I worked with a well-known researcher trying to find new ways to deliver cancer medication. Keep in mind, I really did do research work, and I did it 9-5 every weekday from the early June to mid-August. But how do you think an admissions officer will see this?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t sweat it. My sons had disparate interests applying to Harvard. My older son had a string of national Latin and Greek awards - as well as participation in a biomedical research seminar. He also expressed interest in engineering and physics. My younger son selected math as his concentration, but it didn’t stop him from winning awards in Latin and German. Harvard’s fine with students who show talent - and interest - in more than a single area. Some folks actually come to Harvard and carry through on that promise. My older son’s roommate is successfully majoring in both physics and classics. He only gets an average of three hours of sleep each night, LOL, but Harvard didn’t turn him away for having such unlike interests.</p>