naduod

Assuming grades/test scores/leadership are all good/outstanding, how much would a black belt in tae kwon do help admission chances to Harvard?

How about 100+ hours volunteering in a cancer research lab?

How about 100+ hours volunteering in the emergency wing of a local hospital?

Thanks guys!

T26E4

How much would it help as compared to what? the selective colleges want their admitees to be able to contribute to the campus. The fact that tae kwon do is an accomplishment is fine but no better than another's Eagle scout or JV Tennis or Debate team.

For the selective colleges, it's just one tiny bit of an overall picture -- you won't be admitted/rejected because of it. That's the whole thing about holistic evaluations. Strong ECs are expected for viable HYP applicants.

Sirensong

If you're not Asian, I would say that it could be very helpful, especially if you help teach younger kids, and maybe have won at the national/international level. If you are Asian, it probably won't set you apart very much if at all.

100+ hours volunteering at either of those places will not really matter much unless you can write a stellar essay about it. Maybe the cancer lab research would matter if you were central in making a momentous discovery --ie your mistake just happened to find the cure for cancer.

Yeah, none of it will probably help you a whole ton, but it can help form a stronger picture of who you are.

hmom5

It's not the type of EC that get's Harvard's heart racing.

onthefly

Since there is no universal standard for blackbelts it is virtually meaningless.

ncmentor

a little more than yoga.

Achieving a Black Belt shows determination but I think that is something that every serious applicant to HYP can demonstrate.