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Are Multiple Passions Bad?
DataBox
1630 replies31 threads Senior Member
Hey Guys,
I initially posted this thread in the "What Are My Chances" sub-forum, but then realized that the topic may be more appropriate to discuss on this sub-forum.
So essentially, I am a rising junior and was wondering if having multiple passions is a bad thing. I am quite passionate about both mathematics and government/international relations and pursue both fervently, however, I was wondering if it makes me look as if I am spreading myself too thin. I have included a very brief overview of my stats for your reference:
GPA: 4.0 UW, 4.3 W
Rank: 1/470
Mock SAT/ACT Ranges (w/o prep): 2200-2350/35-36
APs (so far): 5, expecting 5's (will have taken at least 10 APs by the end of junior year along with four post AP level math/physics courses)
Significant Awards: USAMO Qualifier x 2, Congressional Award- Silver Medalist, AMC Perfect Scorer, AMC School Winner x2, CAML Perfect Scorer/CA State Winner, ARML 2nd Place (2009), 4th Place (2008), mathleage.org 2nd Place Winner, Best Delegate at Stanford MUN Conference 2008, Best Delegate at Harvard Model Congress Conference 2008, Outstanding Delegate at Davis MUN Conference 2008, Honorable Mention at Stanford MUN Conference 2007 , Distinguished Delegate at Harvard Model Congress 2008, Swimming MVP, Received the top student in department award for 4/5 departments last year (i.e. English, History, Math, Science)
Main EC's:
1. Class President (6,8,9,10,11)
2. Math Club President (9,10,11)
3. Harvard Model Congress President (9,10,11)
4. Site Council/Youth Advisory Council (9,10,11)
5. Varsity Water Polo, Swimming (9,10,11)
6. Community Service Work (Over 300 hours volunteering in libraries and tutoring socioeconomically disadvantaged children/Designed and executed a three week day program to educate orphans in rural villages in India (Am currently fundraising for the orphanage))
7. Model United Nations Vice President (9,10,11)
8. High School Mathematics Examination President (9,10,11) (Spearheading a mathematics contest for 10-25 local middle schools, scheduled to be held in early October)
9. Congressional Internship (10,11)
10. Science Research (10,11)
Thanks for your kind assistance!
37 repliesI initially posted this thread in the "What Are My Chances" sub-forum, but then realized that the topic may be more appropriate to discuss on this sub-forum.
So essentially, I am a rising junior and was wondering if having multiple passions is a bad thing. I am quite passionate about both mathematics and government/international relations and pursue both fervently, however, I was wondering if it makes me look as if I am spreading myself too thin. I have included a very brief overview of my stats for your reference:
GPA: 4.0 UW, 4.3 W
Rank: 1/470
Mock SAT/ACT Ranges (w/o prep): 2200-2350/35-36
APs (so far): 5, expecting 5's (will have taken at least 10 APs by the end of junior year along with four post AP level math/physics courses)
Significant Awards: USAMO Qualifier x 2, Congressional Award- Silver Medalist, AMC Perfect Scorer, AMC School Winner x2, CAML Perfect Scorer/CA State Winner, ARML 2nd Place (2009), 4th Place (2008), mathleage.org 2nd Place Winner, Best Delegate at Stanford MUN Conference 2008, Best Delegate at Harvard Model Congress Conference 2008, Outstanding Delegate at Davis MUN Conference 2008, Honorable Mention at Stanford MUN Conference 2007 , Distinguished Delegate at Harvard Model Congress 2008, Swimming MVP, Received the top student in department award for 4/5 departments last year (i.e. English, History, Math, Science)
Main EC's:
1. Class President (6,8,9,10,11)
2. Math Club President (9,10,11)
3. Harvard Model Congress President (9,10,11)
4. Site Council/Youth Advisory Council (9,10,11)
5. Varsity Water Polo, Swimming (9,10,11)
6. Community Service Work (Over 300 hours volunteering in libraries and tutoring socioeconomically disadvantaged children/Designed and executed a three week day program to educate orphans in rural villages in India (Am currently fundraising for the orphanage))
7. Model United Nations Vice President (9,10,11)
8. High School Mathematics Examination President (9,10,11) (Spearheading a mathematics contest for 10-25 local middle schools, scheduled to be held in early October)
9. Congressional Internship (10,11)
10. Science Research (10,11)
Thanks for your kind assistance!
Post edited by DataBox on
This discussion has been closed.
Replies to: Are Multiple Passions Bad?
That sums it up pretty well
Disagree. On my Yale acceptance I had a note written from my regional admissions officer complimenting me on my commitment to diverse interests and balance thereof. The key is presenting your multiple passions well so that it doesn't appear thinly spread out.
Edit: It might have been an invitation to an admitted students night that had the note. I don't remember.
Yes, as far as sciences are concerned I took AP Calculus BC, AP Physics B, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: E&M, AP Biology, Multivariable Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra this year.
Furthermore, I intend to have taken AP English Language, AP US History, AP Chemistry, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics next year, Differential Equations, and Physics w/ Calculus III by the end of Junior year.
WikiAnswers - How do you get into Stanford University
Yes I do know it is a wiki article but trust me, you will like it (at least some of you will)
Just be genuine. If it's something that you love, make it clear that you love it, and WHY you love it. From your activities, it seems clear that you enjoy politics and mathematics. Colleges don't just want people who only see one way and one way only; they want people who are well rounded and have an open mind.
Not to mention, I think it's a really interesting combination of interests you've got there...
Really, for someone applying to a top school, DataBox couldn't possibly be in a better position. It would be surprising if he were rejected from Caltech, and he'll probably get into at least one of HYPSM. I mean, USAMO and class president? How often do you think they see both of those on the same resume?
You must be quite a gifted young man.
Just putting out there for people like that.
What specifically in math? Business clubs maybe. Do you have FBLA in your school? if not search it and bring it to your school.
If you like math, try looking at Princeton U courses.