<p>I think generally most people believe that being a well-rounded student only helps him/her as an applicant.</p>
<p>However, there was an article in a local Chinese newspaper my parents and I read that basically said Admission Officers look for students who are “spiked”–who have a one or a couple of defining things that make him/her stand out above the crowd.</p>
<p>For those of you who think that “spiked”-ness is ridiculous, just think about it.
Although it is stereotypical, many of my Chinese friends fit the “Chinese mold.” In other words, they all play piano/violin, go to Chinese School, are in math/science leagues, volunteer their time at a library/hospital, are on an academic or chess team, etc.
So though they may all be strong academically-wise and EC-wise, to the Admission Officers, they all look the same.</p>
<p>So I’m just looking for input. What do you guys think? What’s better: being well-rounded or “spiked”?</p>
<p>Colleges like some of both kinds of students. They want really good students, and they come in all kinds of packages. Be yourself. If you are really outstanding in one area, that's great.
I do think it helps for the well-rounded to have a least one area where they really excell. If you spread yourself too thin and have no area where you shine, it's harder to distinguish yourself.</p>
<p>"Jack of all trades, master of none" I think that kinda describes the well rounded student without any spikes. I think that "spike" is almost synonomus (I can't spell :) ) with "hook" in a way. Its just not as great as a definite hook.</p>
<p>I dunno.. I tried to come off as a foreign language / politics person since I'm applying to Huntsman? I wrote my essay about French..</p>
<p>My 6 ECs were</p>
<p>Piano
XC (just cause these 2 are huge commitments)
founder of young republicans
republian advisor to current events club
community service club
international club</p>