Why Being Well-Rounded Hurts Your College Application
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Is being well-rounded actually a disadvantage? It can be. Admissions officers are looking for depth and width. Well-rounded used to be the goal, but times have changed.
The old expression, jack of all trades, master of none warning applies here. AOs are looking to see at least one interest that you’ve explored deeply and through multiple avenues. That said, avoid writing about the same area across multiple essays. If that’s unavoidable, ensure that you don’t overlap content.
Short answer: Admissions officers are looking for depth as well as breadth.
Longer answer: Well-rounded used to be the goal. Times have changed. The old “jack of all trades, master of none” warning applies. Admissions officers are looking to see at least one interest that you’ve explored deeply and through multiple avenues. That said, avoid writing about the same area across multiple essays. When that is unavoidable, ensure that you don’t overlap content.
Fun fact: This is easier than it sounds.
Reference: the Common App essay prompts.
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