<p>Hi! I'm a rising junior and have been seriously involved with my school's robotics team. We are a world championship team, and I will be one of the heads the next year. There is one slight problem. Although I am very into robotics, I don't plan to pursue engineering in college. Many people have told me that this might affect me negatively in the admissions process,especially at the top schools. But this kind of irritates me because robotics is just an interest of mine(similar to sports, which I will probably not be going pro in,lol). I understand that some people major in subjects that they got interested in during high school. But I'm not like that. I still don't know what I want to do in college. So if you guys could give your 2 cents on this topic, that would be great!</p>
<p>I don't see why this would be any different than a high school musician who has been actively involved with the orchestra deciding not to major in music in college. I would think that the robotics experience gave you leadership, teamwork and plenty of problem solving and design opportunities. All of which can be applied successfully in any number of fields.</p>
<p>I don't see that as a problem at all.</p>
<p>Shouldn't be a problem. Lots of people have hobbies that they don't pursue as majors in college.</p>
<p>I agree that it won't be a problem.
I think perhaps the issue lies in that the inverse would be true: if you wanted to major in engineering, the fact that you had already done extensive robotics work on a high level would absolutely help you.
Thus, people are making the faulty assumption that since A would help, not A would hurt. This is incorrect. You still have a great EC! You are correct in your analysis that it is just the same as being strong in a sport, or theatre, or music, but not planning to do those activities professionally.</p>