Can pursuing my passion help me in the future?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

Hello,
I’m currently a high school sophomore who’s into neuroscience and comp sci. I’m really worried for this school year because last year, I wasted my time on extracurriculars I eventually dropped. I’m currently working on creating a domestic abuse discussion group in my church right now and self studying for calculus bc, and I’m studying some neuroscience from online courses. I don’t know what to do right now. I used to play violin seriously, but last year I dropped it in pursuit of other activities I loved more. The activities I’m doing right now are my passion and I want to continue doing them. I really love doing all of this, and I love pushing myself to learn more and do more for the causes I care about.

As I said earlier, I’m getting a little worried about whether pursuing what I want to do will actually make a difference for me and for college. Right now, I don’t want to stop doing this, but I just want some affirmation that I’m going on the right track. Could any older and wiser people here give some advice on whether I can make a difference and (eek this topic is unfortunately somewhat important for me because I admire these colleges’ ideologies and culture so much) whether I can get into the colleges I want to go (Caltech, Stanford, Brown)?

2

To be as concise as possible, don’t worry! It sounds like you are on the right track in my opinion. Everything you mentioned sounds like a great way to be going. :slight_smile: You’ve got this.

3

For Caltech (and probably the other schools you have listed, but I currently attend Caltech), the admissions office seems to really like students who actually love the things they do (and are not just using activities as résumé-padding). Plus, it seems like the activities you’re doing involve a good mix of academic stuff and community service. If you love doing these things (and have the time), keep doing them.