phlogistonfreak

The Common App asks students to list extracurricular activities in order of their importance. To be honest, I have to list non-academic activites (Hiking and Piano) before math and science activities. Does this focus suggest that I wouldn't enjoy Caltech? For that matter, does it mean that I would be unlikely to get into Caltech? Academically I love Math and Science, I just happen to enjoy hiking more.

neapol1s

You could interpret "importance" in various ways. One way is how much you enjoy the activities. Another way is how willing you are to give them up.

For example: Back in high school I enjoyed computer games more than playing the piano. But I stopped playing computer games before I stopped playing the piano.

So maybe in that sense math and science activities actually are more important than hiking.

phlogistonfreak

Yeah, I see what you mean. I guess hiking seems more important because it is more different from my academic life. I would be hard pressed to give up all math/science activities - it's just that any individual one seems rather expendable, because I like the quantitative thought that goes into math and science, but am not too picky as to exactly what I'm thinking about.
With that in mind, I'm going to apply - I guess I'll see what the admissions committee thinks on the subject
Thanks for your reply.

dianal

use your app to describe yourself..Don't just cater it to the college.
Do what YOU think is important.