<p>One thing I would add to this discussion is that it’s nice to have a balance. Colleges do look at it. A friend’s daughter was validictorian, quite birlliant actually, but didn’t get into some of the top colleges. She didn’t have much else going on. I encourage my kids to join a club of interest, play some sport and do community service. They can pick whatever the heck they are interested in. Fortunately, My D just happily got into her dream collge, but she had several other back up choices. She’s adaptable, and I think being well-rounded is part of the equation.</p>