<p>Which one do you think colleges prefer and why?</p>
<p>Dedication to a few interests rather than a smattering of many.</p>
<p>They prefer people who are curious and hungry and willing to utilize their resources. They don’t want people to pre-program themselves on what they think others (like admissions officers) want them to look like. They want originality, self-confidence and initiative. They don’t want parrots.</p>
<p>Sometimes that’s being a specialist. SOmetimes that’s being a jack of all trades. </p>
<p>And the vast vast majority of colleges only need a transcript and a test score to evaluate its candidates. Don’t forget that too.</p>
<p>To T26E4,</p>
<p>You have confused us with your reply. “the vast majority of colleges…” Yeh, everybody knows that, but what about top 20 colleges? Do they want Jack of all trades? Is their any direction to that?
From the reply, my guess is there is no pressure point or niche. Do the best you can… That’s the cliche…
I don’t think there is a good answer: Jack of all trade vs specialization? </p>
<p>If there is, evidence-based; not opinion based… please provide</p>
<p>Specialization</p>
<p>"If there is, evidence-based; not opinion based… please provide "</p>
<p>I think that’s impossible. Have a listen here:</p>
<p>[Behind</a> The Scenes: How Do You Get Into Amherst? : NPR](<a href=“Behind The Scenes: How Do You Get Into Amherst? : NPR”>Behind The Scenes: How Do You Get Into Amherst? : NPR)</p>
<p>There is not single magic forumla. It’s what captures the readers’ attention on that day.</p>
<p>I agree, semaphore. You can keep pressing for a better supported, more definitive answer, but I really think there isn’t one. They want some of both. They’ll reject many more of both than they’ll admit.</p>
<p>Additionally, this is one of many questions where it’s just pointless, IMO, to try to say what “colleges” want, or even what “top colleges” want, because they all operate independently from each other. Each college or university wants what it wants; many of them may not even want the same thing year after year.</p>
<p>I think you could discuss this question endlessly, but it would get you nowhere. And I think this is the kind of question where you could easily mistake any one person’s certainty for authoritativeness. They’re not the same thing.</p>
<p>Most of the (top) colleges I’ve toured tell you at the information sessions that they seek both those groups, so long as the student excels in and shows dedication to whatever thing(s) he’s doing.</p>
<p>Multiple activities with a specific theme, is what I would guess.</p>
<p>You’ll be most successful if you do the things you’re interested, whether that’s a broad range or involves specialization in one area. By pursuing things you’re interested in, you’re going to be more likely to accomplish something significant and thus stand out among your competitors. If, on the other hand, you just sign up for a bunch of things and cruise along (or sign up for one or two things and cruise along), you’re going to look boring.</p>