I am a rising high school senior who is about to embark on the college application process, and I was wondering if you guys thought it would be a good idea if I include yo-yoing on my college applications. Now, before you say anything, let me tell you that yes, I do have the GPA and test scores that are in the range for my top choice colleges (I will be applying to the top schools, like a lot of other people on this forum). I also have a good number of sports, music, and academic activities to include on my application as well. I have won many competitions for yo-yoing (yes, there are competitions) and I have also started a successful blog on the topic (as strange as it may sound to you non-throwers, the community for yo-yoing is actually quite substantial ). So, do guys think it is a good idea? Please be brutally honest with me, as I don’t want to decrease my chances of admission if focusing on my academic achievements will help my case. Personally, I think that yo-yoing is a unique little hobby that (hopefully) not many applicants have, and the fact that I’ve pursued this as a real passion by starting a blog and competing might convince the admissions officers to let me in!
I think you should definitely talk about it on the application! You’ve shared your passion and knowledge on yo-yos and utilized writing skills on the blogs, and you’ve also strived to challenge yourself and succeeded by winning competitions. I also think you should include a link to your blog. In the end, colleges want academically prepared, interesting students who have explored and worked hard toward their passions. Good luck!
The schools will see your academic achievements with your transcript, standardized tests etc. I’d go for the yo-yo (the above poster stated the reasons quite well).
Yes, you most defiantly want to talk about your weird hobbies. In fact, when I was talking to a Harvard admission officer, she said that essay in these top selective school are all about one thing: sticking out. She mentioned that someone got into Harvard by writing an essay on why he loves green shorts. Although it’s a bit strange sounding, I’m willing to bet that no one has done that before. It’s all about blowing up a uncommon hobby and putting your unique perspective on it. Stray away from common topics, such as injury. I,too, am I rising senior applying to these schools. Unfortunately, we’re writing out personal statements soon, and I have no idea what to do.
). So, do guys think it is a good idea? Please be brutally honest with me, as I don’t want to decrease my chances of admission if focusing on my academic achievements will help my case. Personally, I think that yo-yoing is a unique little hobby that (hopefully) not many applicants have, and the fact that I’ve pursued this as a real passion by starting a blog and competing might convince the admissions officers to let me in!