Why Colleges Don't Want Well-Rounded Students
Well-rounded is out. Angular is in. In terms of extracurricular activities, rather than recruiting those who do a little bit of a lot of things, colleges are looking for unique individuals--students who pursue fewer things, but pursue them deeply. An angular student is passionate and motivated. An angular student is focused. Colleges’ desire for well-rounded students has been replaced by the desire for well-rounded classes. Why? Because a class of students with diverse interests and strengths results in a superior learning environment and a vibrant college community. As opposed to compiling a laundry list of club memberships and out-of-classroom activities, college-bound students should be looking for a handful of activities that genuinely interest them, then show increasing levels of involvement in and commitment to them. Highlighting deep engagement in extracurricular activities is one of the few ways to stand out from the crowd in the college admissions process and show schools the unique individual that you are.
