Hi,
I have decided to shape my application as an advocate for latinos and someone interested in biochemistry. I’m extremely passionate about latino culture and have done various ECs dedicated to volunteering to help latino communities. Additionally, I have done biochemistry research and have leadership roles in science clubs at my school. However, I feel like in every essay, I mention Mexican culture. Is it fine too mention it a lot, if I tie it to my interests in research/science. Will it be regarded as any other passion that can be reference in an application many times, like writing or math?
I think that you should combine your app with Latino culture and STEM research. Veering off into one side is never good for any application unless you have a significant spike in one area and not the other.
Writing about your latino culture would make for a great essay topic. You can easily write one essay about your culture and another about your science research. It would be fantastic if you tied them together to produce a coherent ‘story.’
In the end of the day, colleges want to get to know who YOU are and your passions should shine through on these essays. Write out of your heart and let your personality and enthusiasm shine through.
Just a warning. Watch out for shaping you app too much, if you don’t know enough about what Stanford or other top colleges look for. You could backfire on the balance. Or give more weight to some activities or actions that may seem common to adcoms who read thousands of kids annually. Be careful.
Also, for biochem, did you pck up and math-sci ECs this past year? That will matter very much.