Actually, “pointy” can be a big risk at top colleges where they seek well rounded individuals. (Contrary to what many Chance thread kids think for top or tippy top schools.)
When the pointy guage swings too close to unilateral, trouble. You don’t want a reaction that, “He’s too pointy.” And spike needs to be in addition. Not just one concentration in an otherwise void.
Comments like, blah-blah about the positive traits and energies, ECs and writing, what comes through, how this kid fits, etc. Then, they may say, “…and for an xxx major, she’s got a nice spike in her xxx activities.” It refers more to above and beyond ordinary hs same-old. Not unilateral. Still need to have the right rounding. And is still no guarantee.
Well rounded doesn’t mean a string of random activities, nor empty titles.
Ime, “full committee” doesn’t mean every adcoms sits in. Nor that, after a regional AO sets the target list, there’s much “arguing,” if much chat, at all. I know some older info captures examples of this round-table thing. But the present demands for better efficiency can affect. It’s just as likely an adcom has some kids on the fence and asks for feedback, within a smaller group meeting.
Adding: if you disagree, consider what approach is safest. You’re determined that it’s, say, not necessary to be rounded? Or it’s better to offer some wise coverage? Depth and breadth is safer.
When we participated in the mock admissions committee at an event for alumni children at Vassar College (I think it was in November 2016?) the final two top candidates could be thought of a choice between a pointy and a well-rounded, although the admissions officers did not use that terminology.
Afterwards, someone asked the head of admissions which candidate he would have chosen. He said, if he had to choose, he would have preferred the one that college confidential folks would have called well-rounded, because of all she could contribute to the college. But then he continued to say that, in a real admissions season, they would be able to select a mix of candidates, some more well-rounded and some with specific unique strengths. Every class is a mix of all different types of students and there is not only one type or profile that is preferred.
Moral of the story? Be yourself. Be active doing whatever it is you enjoy. Then describe it well on your application and in your interviews.
OP I am not sure what the intention of your post is, but I disagree with the title. Being well rounded does not mean that you are like everyone else.
There are many HS students who are well rounded…and also get accepted to outstanding colleges. These students distinguish themselves …despite their “well roundedness.”
Colleges want students who will contribute to life on campus…and beyond.
Robotics champion, mathlete who designed a new app for science Olympiad type with great scores etc etc. is pointy. Would be an excellent candidate at Georgia tech.
The top ten percent of class with great boards who vice President of the class and in bpa and nhs with a great application would be welcomed at Georgia tech as well.
If it’s caltech. Yes pointy. If it’s cs or engineering at some it’s pointy. If it’s a theatre arts or music conservatory it’s pointy.
The rest of the collegiate universe well rounded is a solid and realistic path.
You have to know what you love and are excellent at simultaneously to be pointy. Tough at 17.
If you’re not a great student but a good one and are shooting for elites you better be very rich, very famous, very athletic or very very lucky.
Many students can be pointy as well as well-rounded. For example, a lot of people probably don’t know or forget that Caltech students have by far the highest SAT EBRW and ACT English scores of all colleges. They chose STEM, probably because that’s their primary interest.