Myths and Facts: Does Passion Count?

Bottom line: Passion counts! Show what you are passionate about. ADCOMs can see whether a particular activity you listed is there because you are building an application, or because you love to do it.

Myth #1
Colleges want to see great activities like national championships and statewide recognitions.

Fact: Although recognitions and awards do work in an applicant’s favor, colleges are more interested to see how passionate you are about what you do. They want to know how much time you spent on an activity and how does it affect your life and personality.

Myth #2
I need to join as many activities as possible in order to build a strong application.

Fact: It’s depth versus breadth. It’s not how many you join, it’s how much time you spend on each activity that matters. You would be much better off joining a few and devoting lots of time to those activities. The best balance would be joining several activities and having a substantial involvement in one or two.

Myth #3
The more awards, the better.

Fact: Not necessarily. No doubt awards are important, but if you are too obsessed with obtaining awards (perhaps you have been grilled by your parents), admissions officers can see through this. The stereotype is that such students tend to be highly-competitive and off-putting. Some may be arrogant, which will eventually show in recommendations and interviews. They are viewed as programmed and highly sterile, especially when compared to involvement of students who demonstrate a true passion.

Myth #4
Students who couldn’t join many activities due to lack of such opportunities in school are disadvantaged.

Fact: If your school does not offer many activities, it’s not your fault. Your job is to make the best of what you have. However, you will raise flags if there is an abundance of such opportunities and yet you do not make use of them. Considering the fact that they are many non-school activities you can participate it, it’s up to you to find out what excites you and be involved in that. Students with disabilities and hardships will not be penalized too in regard to activities.