<p>bbccpp, the point is that, ideally, as a student one is pursuing activities and opportunities because one finds them inherently interesting, not because they are means to an end. I would argue that the “If I do X, will it make me attractive to Harvard?” mindset is what Harvard is NOT seeking. Passion for learning, out of the box thinking, love of a subject or subjects – that’s what it is all about, not “will this be on the midterm?”</p>
<p>You are on the right track with the MIT “apply sideways” post. :-)</p>