Hi everyone,
I am a sophomore in highschool who wants to get into a top 10 school. I have the raw numbers to get there, but I feel that my EC are lacking. Can you guys please give me a few ideas on how to create a “Spike” for science/medical interests in order to give me that differentiating factor. Thank you guys in advance.
It’s not what you do. It is about the personal growth you experience along the way and how you demonstrate and communicate those changes.
Personally I don’t like the idea that kids can develop a spike on demand. Having a spike implies a certain level of mastery, which takes more time than you’ve got in order to achieve it. You can become “pointy”, you can demonstrate “passion”, but very few teens have a true spike, which is why those that do can capture the attention of an AO more easily.
Pick activities you like, perhaps at least one related to your major and at least one not related. Then work hard to “make a difference”, go above and beyond, but play well with others and show you care about more than yourself. Ideally you get increased responsibilities, your skills get put to use, and your character evolves. As the saying goes, “Be the best version of yourself”.
Good luck.
Meaningful spikes occur almost naturally and stem from a deep and long standing interest/commitment to something.