<p>@rkepp12: No, you’re reading the article correctly. Colleges are looking for a well-rounded CLASS made up of LOP-SIDED students – students that are stronger in one academic area than the other, or have a particular talent or unique EC that they can bring to the campus. It’s easier for an Admissions Committee to admit a student that did something special, like running the Boston Marathon backwards while juggling 7 balls in the air, rather than an admit yet another yearbook editor, debate team member, or researcher. </p>
<p>FWIW: I think you’re going about this all wrong. You’re trying to second guess what a college is looking for, asking what will strengthen your application. When, in fact, most successful applicants have just pursued what they have enjoyed to the best of their ability . . . and as a result of their dogged passion, they were admitted to the college of their choice. You should read: <a href=“Applying Sideways | MIT Admissions”>http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways</a></p>