<p>If we go back to the OP, it looks like this is a kid who has teachers who are looking out for them, trying to tell them that they need to do X so they can achieve their potential, but OP is determined to not take their advice, and is trying to alter reality to fit their preferred worldview. So, you can either take their advice, which comes after years of experience, and you can get into a place like Middlebury, or you can refuse to conform, which comes with a price, likely no Middlebury.</p>
<p>Either way is a valid way to live, but don’t expect the world to change for you and then act disappointed when it doesn’t. Colleges are looking for people who want to change the world and set out to do that - and that can start right now by creating something you think worthy of your time as an EC, but it has to involve more than just you. Take the above advice and create an EC with like minded students. That’s the sort of thing that will get you into Middlebury if everything else like grades and test scores come together.</p>