<p>I am interested in what people think "well rounded" means. This is because I am currently in top 1 % in my class, am a dedicated varsity swimmer, play an instrument, and own a business, among many other ECs, but am still told that my activities are "cookie cutter."</p>
<p>Do Ivy Leagues/Stanford/Duke/other similar level schools like to see athletics, academics and arts in an applicant or does it not stand out to them any more than someone that only does things with math/science/etc?</p>
<p>Thanks for your input :)</p>
<p>I watched an interview with Bill Fitzsimmons (Dean of Admission & Financial Aid at Harvard), where he discounted the concept that “BWRK” don’t do well in the admission process, indicating that they represented a huge number in each admitted class.</p>
<p>From the Harvard website:
“Applicants can distinguish themselves for admission in a number of ways. Some show unusual academic promise through experience or achievements in study or research. Many are “well rounded” and have contributed in various ways to the lives of their schools or communities. Others are “well lopsided” with demonstrated excellence in a particular endeavor—academic, extracurricular or otherwise. Still others bring perspectives formed by unusual personal circumstances or experiences.”</p>
<p>Ned,
Stanford[ in particular] loves student “scholar athletes’”. There is nothing cookie cutter if you do all of those things really well, as well as maintain a rigorous academic schedule. But if you have not taken the most rigorous classes your HS offers, then you should set your sights a bit lower. Dont make the mistake of applying only to reach schools, OR set you heart on getting into a highly competetive college[ such as then ones you mentioned]</p>