<p>I've heard from different sources that it's important to stand out in one area, not just be good at everything. I've never really enjoyed school so I've found it hard for me to pick out subjects that I enjoy so I have been taking math, history, English, science, and two foreign languages (French and Latin) at the highest level possible just to keep my options open. I'm afraid it'll appear to colleges that I'm trying too hard to be good at everything instead of focusing on my passions, but I don't really have any academic passions. Will this hurt my chances of attending a competitive school?</p>
<p>If you excel in a lot of things then that looks good and certainly won’t hurt your chances. But what classes do you like the most? If math/science then do some math competitions, science olympiads, get involved with research, etc. If English or then you can do some writing competitions, essay contests, playwright contests, etc. Foreign languages have those national exams, travel a bit or spend a summer abroad, work as a translator. Basically try to find something you like and go deeper into it than your school curriculum offers. Make the effort to make your own opportunities!</p>
<p>It used to be that the well rounded student was great at everything could get accepted. But nowadays it seems like everyone who applies to Harvard is incredibly well rounded. I swear everyone seems to be Student Body Prez, captain of 2 varsity sports, president of 3 clubs, perfect grades and SATs. I think to stand out from the crowd of 30,000+ other applicants you have to have a brilliant passion. That being said, all the admits I know personally of who were accepted to HYPSM did not have the national awards and genius that people assume applicants need. Sometimes it really is a crapshoot.</p>
<p>I would have to say I enjoy history and foreign language the most. Since I’ve always been good at math, I joined my school’s math team and I always take optional tests and contests. Also, I’ve been thinking about trying to get poetry published, does anyone have any advice on that?</p>