<p>I would disagree with the first poster, it’s best to come across as well-rounded BUT also with a passion for specific subjects. Unless you are one of the nation’s best high-school scientists (which you could be depending on that project), it never hurts to show a diversity of interests. Stanford values flexibility between subjects in its students. </p>
<p>For example, the only “intense subject” student I know to get in was a 16-year-old physicist, he’s one of the top 10 physics students in the US and he’ll be competing in the international olympiad. He’s the type that can get in with a singular focus. And yet he’s going to MIT now. </p>
<p>Stanford likes well rounded students in addition to a well-rounded class, compared to some schools that want a well-rounded class comprised of very very intensely focused students. </p>
<p>It actually makes you a much more interesting applicant when you can show exceptional performance and interest in one or two particular subjects in addition to a broad base filled with a love of learning. With that attitude and some higher test scores (you’re required to send that first SAT and ACT score so one of them needs to get better), your chances are good.</p>