<p>hi there, I think it was somewhere on this website that I read that colleges tend to prefer students that specialize and are proficient in a certain area of interest to form a well rounded campus, rather than to have scattered activities and interests. However, I've also read on some posts on this forum stating that Rice favors well rounded individuals. Im pretty sure all colleges are refering to well roundedness in terms of balancing academics and extracurricular activities, but when it specifically comes to those activities, does coherency and demonstrated interest in specific fields seem better than scattered or unrelated extracurricular activities and interests? Sorry if this is obvious or sounds flustered or confusing, but I felt as though I need to ask this question off some whim. By the way, im only a rising junior but I have really fallen in love with Rice over the summer. Thanks.</p>
<p>Do what you love. If you love a variety of different things, do them all (within reason). If you’re extremely passionate about one area, say, music, then focus on that- deeply (get in the jazz band, do free concerts in the park, volunteer at a music camp, whatever). Colleges can tell if you really care about an activity or area, or if you’re just doing it because it looks good. Nobody likes a phony.</p>
<p>Yes. being focused helps a lot. saying that you played soccer for 7 years and were captain shows dedication. Doing a lot of different things for short durations means you are impulsive or are doing it for the app</p>
<p>You sound sharp, kingsquirrel – what do you like to do when you’re not in class or working on class assignments? </p>
<p>If you decided to start a college, who would you seek out for your student body? How about a good mix – some high school editors who would write for the Rice Thresher, enviro-minded kids who would help with recycling, poetry-lovers who would enrich discussions in lit classes, people who consider lab another name for home, politically-minded kids who will canvass for local candidates, WorldQuest champs who know their facts …</p>
<p>Be yourself and put energy in what you do best! And doing what you do best, especially as a leader, is one way to potentially line up a merit award. Shine, kingsquirrel – stand out and – fit in. It will show in your essays …</p>
<p>thanks for the replies, ottoline you gave me a spark of motivation lol</p>