9 answers
SNB
Student
Miami, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
824 views
Do I need a "spike" in my interests for college applications?
I see a lot of advice that students should have a spike in their applications to demonstrate interests and clear focus/passion. If they want to go into computer science they should do mainly computer science related classes and extracurriculars. I want to go into biomedical engineering so I am in engineering club, doctors without borders, and science honor society. However, I am also interested in public speaking so I do mock trial, TV production, and speech and debate, but I don't plan on pursuing that as my major in college. Will this negatively affect my college applications? If it does, what should I do from here?
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9 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1870
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, SNB !
Your involvement in all of your extracurriculars is amazing and definitely providing you with excellent experience and the chance to develop and strengthen many valuable skills. You are spending your time excellently.
You may not think it, but your activities are very much useful for bioengineering. All of the public speaking you are doing in mock trials, debate team and public speaking are activities that are teaching you presentational skills which we all need in any career. As a bioengineer, you may have the opportunity to conduct meetings, present findings to a group of colleagues, very useful in employment interviews, and if you go for a PhD you will have confidence in defending your thesis. Participating in the engineer club that you've mentioned already is focused on your career interest and you are doing things that will give you the basic experience that you can take to college. Your current activities are valuable.
My advice is to continue with all you are doing and stay with it until you graduate. Although extracurriculars are important for college applications, they also want to see stability and long term commitment to those activities, too. No need to give up any of the activities or add more, but if you really feel that you want to do something different you can consider doing volunteer work. I would suggest that you continue with your current extracurriculars and I do believe, although there are more than extracurriculars that depend on admission, I think you will be able to attend college without any issues. Many people have not started their experiences yet so consider that you are doing the right thing. Enjoy all of it and do not worry or doubt college admissions - you will be fine.
I hope that this is reassuring and that you continue to enjoy all of your activities ! Best wishes to you.
Your involvement in all of your extracurriculars is amazing and definitely providing you with excellent experience and the chance to develop and strengthen many valuable skills. You are spending your time excellently.
You may not think it, but your activities are very much useful for bioengineering. All of the public speaking you are doing in mock trials, debate team and public speaking are activities that are teaching you presentational skills which we all need in any career. As a bioengineer, you may have the opportunity to conduct meetings, present findings to a group of colleagues, very useful in employment interviews, and if you go for a PhD you will have confidence in defending your thesis. Participating in the engineer club that you've mentioned already is focused on your career interest and you are doing things that will give you the basic experience that you can take to college. Your current activities are valuable.
My advice is to continue with all you are doing and stay with it until you graduate. Although extracurriculars are important for college applications, they also want to see stability and long term commitment to those activities, too. No need to give up any of the activities or add more, but if you really feel that you want to do something different you can consider doing volunteer work. I would suggest that you continue with your current extracurriculars and I do believe, although there are more than extracurriculars that depend on admission, I think you will be able to attend college without any issues. Many people have not started their experiences yet so consider that you are doing the right thing. Enjoy all of it and do not worry or doubt college admissions - you will be fine.
I hope that this is reassuring and that you continue to enjoy all of your activities ! Best wishes to you.
Thank you!
SNB
You are very welcome ! Have a great day, SNB !
Michelle M.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
332
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi SNB, you have already gotten excellent advice. I would like to reiterate two points:
1) You do not have to trim your interests for college applications. Curtail activities if they become overwhelming and cause physical or emotional harm, but not for college applications. Colleges do look for evidence of growth and leadership so see if you could demonstrate those in one or two activities.
2) See if advice online (including from us, I suppose) makes sense to you. If it doesn't, you can ignore it. Many 17-year-olds don't know what they want to do with their lives, and that is fine. In fact, many use college as a time to explore new subject areas. And that is why colleges typically don't have students declare a major until their second year. All this is to say that advising you to double down on one interest in high school is not good advice.
Good luck!
1) You do not have to trim your interests for college applications. Curtail activities if they become overwhelming and cause physical or emotional harm, but not for college applications. Colleges do look for evidence of growth and leadership so see if you could demonstrate those in one or two activities.
2) See if advice online (including from us, I suppose) makes sense to you. If it doesn't, you can ignore it. Many 17-year-olds don't know what they want to do with their lives, and that is fine. In fact, many use college as a time to explore new subject areas. And that is why colleges typically don't have students declare a major until their second year. All this is to say that advising you to double down on one interest in high school is not good advice.
Good luck!
Thank you!
SNB
Charles Walker Cano
Registered Phlebotomists
1
Answer
Ceres, California
Updated
Charles’s Answer
If your ultimate goal is to work in the field of bioengineering, I would look into schools that have excellent bioengineering programs like Stanford, UCLA and UCSF to name a few. After finding a school that interests you, look at their mission statement and see how you can relate to their core values. Being involved with all of those extracurricular activities will not hurt your application into college due in part you are also demonstrating interests of medicine by participating in engineering club, doctors without borders, and science honor society. Your application shine bright in the spotlight of being diverse and well rounded.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thank You!
SNB
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi!
I think your extracurriculars make for a great, well-rounded college application. You clearly show great interest in biomedical engineering through your experiences, but you also show promise in skills that add to being a great biomedical engineer. All of your opportunities show growth in public speaking, communication, and teamwork, all of which are valuable skills in a career and within college. Don't worry about it reflecting negatively on your college applications! Your application seems great.
I think your extracurriculars make for a great, well-rounded college application. You clearly show great interest in biomedical engineering through your experiences, but you also show promise in skills that add to being a great biomedical engineer. All of your opportunities show growth in public speaking, communication, and teamwork, all of which are valuable skills in a career and within college. Don't worry about it reflecting negatively on your college applications! Your application seems great.
Thank You!
SNB
Anita Hall Frost
Engineer
6
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Wow, you're already doing so much that's going to make your application shine, so there's no need to stress. Your active participation in the Science Club, Doctors Without Borders, and Science Honor Society clearly shows your passion for medicine and engineering. Moreover, your other activities highlight your curiosity in different intellectual fields. As many people have pointed out, having a wide array of interests will make your application more appealing. Plus, being able to communicate effectively and think quickly is crucial in any profession, so it's fantastic that you're engaged in mock trial, speech, and debate. Stepping up to a leadership position in any of your clubs would be the perfect finishing touch. But remember, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy, so make sure to include this in your endeavors.
Have fun, and wishing you all the best.
Have fun, and wishing you all the best.
Thank You!
SNB
LaTausha Myers
Medical Laboratory scientist
38
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
LaTausha’s Answer
You are doing enough to demonstrate professional interests as well as personal interest. It's important to be well rounded. These other extracurricular could help develop skills that you may not otherwise have. Don't get locked-in to checking boxes. Make sure you're genuinely interested in anything you invest your time in.
If possible, set up meeting with admission counselor from different schools to see if you're on the right track.
Good luck
If possible, set up meeting with admission counselor from different schools to see if you're on the right track.
Good luck
Thank You!
SNB
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6158
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello,
In the college application process, showcasing a "spike" or specialized interest can be advantageous as it exhibits a strong focus and passion in a specific area. However, it's not mandatory to have a single spike if you have a variety of interests that display different facets of your personality and skills. For you, having interests in both biomedical engineering and public speaking could be a unique selling point, highlighting your adaptability and comprehensive abilities.
Balancing Interests in Biomedical Engineering and Public Speaking:
Focus on Biomedical Engineering: Your participation in the engineering club, Doctors Without Borders, and the science honor society is a clear testament to your commitment towards a career in biomedical engineering. These activities reflect your interest in the STEM field and your dedication to making a positive impact through science and technology.
Involvement in Public Speaking: Your engagement in mock trial, TV production, and speech and debate indicates that you have honed strong communication skills and the capability to effectively express ideas. These activities can supplement your interest in biomedical engineering by improving your presentation skills, which are crucial in any career.
Influence on College Applications:
Possessing a blend of interests such as biomedical engineering and public speaking can make you a standout candidate. Admission officers value students who demonstrate expertise in their chosen field but also have other skills that can enrich campus life.
While it's important to focus primarily on activities related to biomedical engineering, displaying your passion for public speaking through extracurricular involvement adds an extra layer to your application. It shows that you are not just academically driven but also have soft skills that are vital for success in any career.
Steps to Strengthen Your College Applications:
To further enhance your college applications:
- Showcase how your interests in both biomedical engineering and public speaking complement each other.
- Highlight the transferable skills you've acquired from public speaking activities that are applicable to biomedical engineering (e.g., communication, critical thinking).
- Consider integrating these two interests in your application essays or interviews to demonstrate how they have contributed to your personal development and ambitions.
In summary, having varied interests like biomedical engineering and public speaking can enrich your college application rather than detract from it. By effectively demonstrating how these interests align with your overall objectives and strengths, you can portray yourself as a unique and comprehensive candidate to admissions committees.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard College Admissions Office: Provides insights into what colleges seek in applicants beyond academic accomplishments.
Stanford University Admissions Blog: Offers advice on creating a persuasive college application that emphasizes both academic focus and extracurricular interests.
U.S. News & World Report - Education Section: Shares articles on college admissions trends and guidance for prospective students on crafting strong applications.
God Bless You,
JC.
In the college application process, showcasing a "spike" or specialized interest can be advantageous as it exhibits a strong focus and passion in a specific area. However, it's not mandatory to have a single spike if you have a variety of interests that display different facets of your personality and skills. For you, having interests in both biomedical engineering and public speaking could be a unique selling point, highlighting your adaptability and comprehensive abilities.
Balancing Interests in Biomedical Engineering and Public Speaking:
Focus on Biomedical Engineering: Your participation in the engineering club, Doctors Without Borders, and the science honor society is a clear testament to your commitment towards a career in biomedical engineering. These activities reflect your interest in the STEM field and your dedication to making a positive impact through science and technology.
Involvement in Public Speaking: Your engagement in mock trial, TV production, and speech and debate indicates that you have honed strong communication skills and the capability to effectively express ideas. These activities can supplement your interest in biomedical engineering by improving your presentation skills, which are crucial in any career.
Influence on College Applications:
Possessing a blend of interests such as biomedical engineering and public speaking can make you a standout candidate. Admission officers value students who demonstrate expertise in their chosen field but also have other skills that can enrich campus life.
While it's important to focus primarily on activities related to biomedical engineering, displaying your passion for public speaking through extracurricular involvement adds an extra layer to your application. It shows that you are not just academically driven but also have soft skills that are vital for success in any career.
Steps to Strengthen Your College Applications:
To further enhance your college applications:
- Showcase how your interests in both biomedical engineering and public speaking complement each other.
- Highlight the transferable skills you've acquired from public speaking activities that are applicable to biomedical engineering (e.g., communication, critical thinking).
- Consider integrating these two interests in your application essays or interviews to demonstrate how they have contributed to your personal development and ambitions.
In summary, having varied interests like biomedical engineering and public speaking can enrich your college application rather than detract from it. By effectively demonstrating how these interests align with your overall objectives and strengths, you can portray yourself as a unique and comprehensive candidate to admissions committees.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard College Admissions Office: Provides insights into what colleges seek in applicants beyond academic accomplishments.
Stanford University Admissions Blog: Offers advice on creating a persuasive college application that emphasizes both academic focus and extracurricular interests.
U.S. News & World Report - Education Section: Shares articles on college admissions trends and guidance for prospective students on crafting strong applications.
God Bless You,
JC.
Thank You!
SNB
Robert Epstein
General Manager
83
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
What a fine background for getting into college! The other answers you received here were spot on. As a retired manager who hired biomedical engineers, I’d add one other suggestion. After you graduate, it’s important to customize your resume to emphasize those skills and accomplishments that they’re looking for, and to not overwhelm them too much with the many impressive things you accomplished. I know you’ll do well.
Thank You!
SNB
Reema Patel
sales associate
86
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
Being engaged in a variety of activities and having a range of interests can actually be a big plus for your college applications, even if they don't all tie directly to your chosen major of biomedical engineering. Here's why:
The Perks of Having Varied Interests
A Well-Rounded Candidate: Colleges often seek out students who are versatile and can bring something unique to the campus life. Your participation in activities like mock trial, TV production, and speech and debate highlight your communication skills, critical thinking prowess, and potential leadership abilities.
Range and Depth: While a concentrated interest (a "spike") can show passion and dedication, colleges also appreciate applicants who demonstrate a wide array of interests and skills. Your involvement in engineering clubs, Doctors Without Borders, and science honor society underscores your commitment to STEM fields and giving back to the community.
A Fresh Perspective: Your unique blend of interests in biomedical engineering and public speaking can make you stand out from other applicants. It suggests that you have a variety of talents and interests that add to your overall personality and potential contributions to the college community.
Addressing Potential Worries
If you're worried about how your diverse interests might be seen:
Stress the Connection: When crafting your college application essays or during interviews, link your varied activities to your overall goals and character. Discuss how skills from public speaking can enhance your capabilities as a biomedical engineer, like effective communication in research presentations or promoting healthcare innovations.
Showcase Your Passion: Despite having varied interests, it's important to clearly express your enthusiasm for biomedical engineering. Talk about specific projects, experiences, or challenges you've faced in this field that underscore your commitment and readiness for college-level studies.
Emphasize Time Management: Make sure your participation in different activities hasn't affected your academic performance. Colleges value students who can juggle multiple responsibilities effectively.
The Way Forward
Keep pursuing activities that truly interest you and align with your long-term goals. Think about taking on leadership roles or initiating projects within your engineering club or science honor society to deepen your involvement. If you can, look for chances to combine your interests in biomedical engineering and public speaking, like presenting scientific discoveries or arranging STEM-related public events.
In conclusion, your varied interests can boost your college application by showcasing your diverse abilities and potential contributions to campus life. Be sincere in expressing your passions and how they shape your dreams in biomedical engineering. This strategy will help you submit a compelling and genuine application to colleges.
The Perks of Having Varied Interests
A Well-Rounded Candidate: Colleges often seek out students who are versatile and can bring something unique to the campus life. Your participation in activities like mock trial, TV production, and speech and debate highlight your communication skills, critical thinking prowess, and potential leadership abilities.
Range and Depth: While a concentrated interest (a "spike") can show passion and dedication, colleges also appreciate applicants who demonstrate a wide array of interests and skills. Your involvement in engineering clubs, Doctors Without Borders, and science honor society underscores your commitment to STEM fields and giving back to the community.
A Fresh Perspective: Your unique blend of interests in biomedical engineering and public speaking can make you stand out from other applicants. It suggests that you have a variety of talents and interests that add to your overall personality and potential contributions to the college community.
Addressing Potential Worries
If you're worried about how your diverse interests might be seen:
Stress the Connection: When crafting your college application essays or during interviews, link your varied activities to your overall goals and character. Discuss how skills from public speaking can enhance your capabilities as a biomedical engineer, like effective communication in research presentations or promoting healthcare innovations.
Showcase Your Passion: Despite having varied interests, it's important to clearly express your enthusiasm for biomedical engineering. Talk about specific projects, experiences, or challenges you've faced in this field that underscore your commitment and readiness for college-level studies.
Emphasize Time Management: Make sure your participation in different activities hasn't affected your academic performance. Colleges value students who can juggle multiple responsibilities effectively.
The Way Forward
Keep pursuing activities that truly interest you and align with your long-term goals. Think about taking on leadership roles or initiating projects within your engineering club or science honor society to deepen your involvement. If you can, look for chances to combine your interests in biomedical engineering and public speaking, like presenting scientific discoveries or arranging STEM-related public events.
In conclusion, your varied interests can boost your college application by showcasing your diverse abilities and potential contributions to campus life. Be sincere in expressing your passions and how they shape your dreams in biomedical engineering. This strategy will help you submit a compelling and genuine application to colleges.