<p>So I'm reading a ton of these posts on what a good extra-curricular is, and one recurring word that always seems to come up is passion. Well, I don't know what can be counted as passion? Here is my dilemna, I am very good at certain things. I am one of the best pianists in my state, but i live in sc. so that doesn't mean anything, and I have won state titles in debate and have gone to nationals. I'm also going to be captain of my cross country team and track team, but I'm not getting recruited or anything. Therefore, the issue is, I'm not fantastc at any one of these, just really good. I can only succeed at the state level, not on the national stage. Will colleges look poorly at this, even though I feel that I am "passionate" about each and every one of these 3 main extracurriculars.</p>
<p>Just because you have a passion in something doesn't mean you have to be the best at it. The ideal would be excelling in your passion, which I think you've succeeded at, contrary to your own belief. Just state recognition for all those activities shows a level of skill and dedication. Not competing on a national scale doesn't mean that your passion isn't a "real" passion.</p>
<p>I mean, there are plenty of people out there who have passions for activities but don't necessarily have recognition for them. Not everyone can be recognized, and it wouldn't make sense to say that only people who have excelled are the only people who are truly passionate.</p>
<p>It's great that you have such diverse extracurriculars, and you have succeeded in them - state level recognition for piano is very commendable. I think many colleges will want someone who seems to be equally good in diverse fields. You will certainly not be looked down upon for not having national recognition. (Plus, not everyone can have national recognition anyway.)</p>
<p>Try to look at it from the school's perspective.</p>
<p>First of all, if you have good grades, good SAT and some EC's and can afford the tuition - if the school isn't all that competitive, you are probably "in" regardless. </p>
<p>If you are talking about a school that gets thousands of applications for just a few hundred slots - well, they have the ability to pick and choose and they do. </p>
<p>What will they pick and choose?
1. Kids of alumni who have been active contributors because they want that money to keep rolling in.
2. Kids of people with means to be active contributors (because they want that potential money).
3. Kids who are either famous themselves or are the kids of parents who are famous (in the media, politics, business) - because these kids with connections will also likely bring money/fame to the college.
4. Kids with special talents (football players, etc...) that can help the college win tournaments, games, etc... and bring in ...you guessed it, more money for the college. </p>
<p>Now let's start to look at everyone else:</p>
<p>For those slots that are left, they look for
Great grades, great SATs, and great potential for giving back to the school. With each application, they will ask themselves, "Does this kid have a talent that we need more of?" (for you that could be your willingness to participate on their debate team, orchastra, or run track?)
"Is this kid likely to excell in research and bring recognition to our school?"
"Is this kid likely to major in an area that we need more students?"
"Is this kid likely to take on major responsibilities/leadership roles in our school?"</p>
<p>Bottom line: Like everywhere else (business or otherwise) they want to know what's in it for them. Tell them what is in it for them.</p>