<p>I am metaphorically hyperventilating. For some reason I have not been able to fixate on any particular thing over a long period of time. I’ve always fell in love with whatever interested me at the time (ancient art, modern art, sewing, fashion, brass instruments, rococo architecture, the jazz age, the great f. scott, the harlem renaissance, swimming, the italian renaissance, gourmet cooking, comedy, soccer…) and I now regret this devil may care attitude of mine because apparently long term dedication to one or two things is what the schools I want to go to want. I think fixation on any one thing is ridiculous only in the sense that I am incapable of that kind of commitment. I need to know that this aspect of my personality is acceptable; I need to know that the indecisiveness and the caution and the bursts of creativity and passion that make me who I am are okay. The shifts of interest that mark my past and that will determine my future were and are inevitable; that constant change or lack of focus is what makes my life worth living and while many, whom I deem far superior than myself, have found the one thing that defines them, I haven’t. How do I make this shameful, indelible character flaw of mine appealing in my app? Is that even possible? 
P.S. There is one thing that has followed me since the day I could use a writing utensil…to write…but…I feel like writing is the bright light that I should stay away from, but is impossible to stay away from b/c it’s so darn irresistable…It makes me feel like one of those flies that gather around the bright light and I’m afraid that if I touch it I’ll die…</p>
<p>You are fine and beautiful the way you are.
I would suggest actually looking at the “fit” of each school to you; don’t lump the Ivies together, each one has it’s own unique atmosphere and personality, some may match up with you better than others.
For example, perhaps you may be particularly drawn to Yale’s shopping period, where at the beginning of each year you can sit in for many classes that you are interested in for a taste before finally signing up for each course so that you can explore a bit first.
Or, you may be drawn to Columbia’s proximity to bustling NYC, filled with opportunities to explore and discover and so on.
Do not fixate on the Ivies, fixate on what schools will best fit you. By sophomore year (the usual time) you will have to decide on a major, but exploring before then will help. You should also consider some nice liberal arts colleges.
Basically, find a school that will help support any of your past/present/possible future interests with it’s location, opportunities, resources, etc.
***Ultimately, the Ivies are looking for kids who will really add to their campus. They aren’t for everyone, but you should keep researching to see if there is one or two that really sings out to you.
Good luck!</p>
<p>P.S. The reason schools prefer kids who are committed to a mere one or two activities is because usually it means that the applicant is more talented, passionate, and has more depth to them because they can showcase many accomplishments such as lots of awards that prove the quality of their skills. If you can explain your diverse passions in your application essay and play up your varied interests as a strength, that will be a great umbrella for your activity list and so on.</p>
<p>Be an accountant</p>
<p>There’s the good traits of intellectual curiosity and diverse interests, and then there’s just plain ADD… portray yourself as the former.</p>
<p>BTW, it seems to me that you’re the art/humanities type. If you can talk about your diverse interests in that field, it would be a form of passion.</p>
<p>Yes, I am deeply interested in the arts/humanities and social sciences; those interests have manifested themselves in various forms over the years, but not in one distinct form per se. Btw Columbia is my dream school :)</p>