Well-Rounded vs "Spiked"

<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>The answer is neither one individually, but having both qualities. Colleges like well-rounded people who are are spiked in a particular area.</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>Hey what are guys' spikes?</p>

<p>The term the ad coms use is "BWRK" = bright well-rounded kid, but they use it pejoratively from what I have read...</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>

<p>pejoratively- somebody get out WEBSTER!!!!!lol</p>

<p>pejorative:
1) tending to make or become worse
2) disparaging, belittling</p>

<p><3 dictionary.com</p>

<p>dw, where are you from? (just curious to see if you're from the same state/region as me)</p>

<p>I wonder if the chinese word for "spike" is the same as "hook", since that's what most people refer to.</p>

<p>I'm from Middlesex County, Massachusetts.. y tu?</p>

<p>NJ</p>

<p>::breathes sigh of relief::</p>

<p>good, our apps wont be read by same admissions officer</p>

<p>we have one thing in common..</p>

<p>Bostonian drivers suck</p>

<p>and so do NJ drivers..</p>

<p>but then again.. Massachusetts is such a better state.. heh</p>

<p>i thought it was because of crappy, confusing boston roads?</p>

<p>sort of.. i think most importantly the driving test is ridiculous easy here..</p>

<p>the state trooper told me to pull over to the left (yes.. left) and do a 3-point turn on the wrong side of the road..</p>

<p>cause.. you're ALWAYS supposed to listen to the state trooper.. go figure</p>

<p>that was it..</p>

<p>put a couple million people who passed the same 'test' on crappy confusing roads.. and you have yourself a problem</p>

<p>What if you're spread out everywhere...u do everything possible</p>

<p>but you shine in ALL areas???</p>

<p>lol, and that was supposed to be in defense of your qualifications chanman?</p>

<p>audiophile: the chinese words are different.. chinese word for 'hook' is 'gou' while 'spike' is 'ci'</p>