Comments on: Adcom Advice #5 – Quality Over Quantity

By: medaholic

medaholic — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:40:44 +0000

Definitely NOT true. You do not need a laundry list of extracurriculars to be competitive. Instead you should focus on QUALITY as I’ve mentioned in my post.
Ten activities is plenty, especially if they are high quality ones. Try to add some diversity by varying your activities. For instance, having 10 activities related to swimming isn’t the same as some sports, some music, some volunteering.

By: Spencer

Spencer — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:00:07 +0000

I keep hearing that you must have a list of approximately 40 extra curricular’s to be really competitive. Is that remotely true? I have about 10 lined up as of now that require a good chunk of commitment.

Is there a set number of extra curricular’s that I should strive for?

By: grace

grace — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:37:50 +0000

hi! Great points. I was just wondering whether you think abbreviations would be acceptable in the autobiographical sketch?

Example: exec instead of executives

By: medaholic

medaholic — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:00:03 +0000

You make a good point FD that for a lot of people, parents do have a lot of influence. Though I still believe that young people should choose things that interests THEM, not their parents – this topic can be discussed ad nauseum.

Your interpretation of the quote is also very interesting. I’m not sure what the context Lincoln used the phrase in (couldn’t find anything on google), but to me, I feel as if he meant to say, “be the best YOU you can be.” Strive for excellence and find your own strengths.

I think naturally, if you commit yourself to something and give it your all, you will naturally get good at it. I have made a change from “become good at what you do” to “find something you’re good at – and do it better” because it reflects more of the point I want to get across

By: FD

FD — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:39:04 +0000

Though I agree with quality over quantity, I found that two of your points are in discordance with my opinion. Those points will not work unless you are living in some sort of Utopia. First, not all people can be good at things that they like; no matter how hard they tried. Second, there are still people that are controlled by their parents, which means that they do not have the freedom to choose, because after all they are funded by their parents. Therefore, I would only suggest one thing, whatever you do, give it your all regardless of the outcome.

To your quote, so if I were a terrorist I ought to be a cold blooded human killing machine (i.e., a good terrorist)? In accordance with my points before, I think what Lincoln intended to say was make sure you have a good morale behind all your actions, though it may not be the best one.