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Why Well-Rounded is a Myth: A High School Junior’s Guide to "Spiking"

  • Writer: Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
    Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
  • 5 days ago
  • 4 min read

(And Not Just Try Everything)


A high school student balancing different extracurricular activities.
A high school student demonstrating depth by major.

If you’ve ever been told, “Do a little bit of everything—colleges love well-rounded students,” here’s the truth:


👉 Colleges don’t admit well-rounded students. They build well-rounded classes.


What admissions officers actually want to see—especially at selective colleges—is focused curiosity and sustained commitment. They want students who lean in, not students who dabble in ten unrelated things for ten minutes each.


This doesn’t mean you must have your life figured out at 16. It does mean that if you think you know what you might want to study, this school year and summer are powerful opportunities to show genuine interest and growth.


How to Demonstrate Depth by Major


Below are practical, realistic ways high school juniors can show "the spike"—the focused interest that sets an application apart.


Business & Marketing


What colleges want to see: initiative, problem-solving, leadership, and real-world thinking.


Ideas to show depth

  • Start or scale a small business (online shop, tutoring service, social media consulting).

  • Launch a marketing campaign for a local nonprofit or school club.

  • Compete in DECA or FBLA and take on leadership roles.


Programs


Nursing / Health Sciences


What colleges want to see: compassion, consistency, understanding of healthcare realities.


Ideas to show depth

  • Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics.

  • Become CPR/First Aid certified or explore CNA training if available.

  • Shadow nurses and reflect on patient care experiences.


Programs


English / Writing


What colleges want to see: voice, sustained engagement with language, and intellectual curiosity.


Ideas to show depth

  • Start a book club (in-person or virtual).

  • Launch a literary magazine, blog, or Substack.

  • Offer peer tutoring in writing or editing.


Programs


Psychology


What colleges want to see: curiosity about human behavior and ethical awareness.


Ideas to show depth

  • Volunteer with mental health advocacy organizations.

  • Conduct a small research or survey project.

  • Lead peer discussion groups on psychology topics.


Programs


Environmental Science


What colleges want to see: action, stewardship, and applied learning.


Ideas to show depth

  • Lead environmental initiatives at school.

  • Participate in citizen science or conservation projects.

  • Research local environmental issues and present findings.


Programs


Political Science


What colleges want to see: engagement, leadership, and civic awareness.


Ideas to show depth

  • Join or lead Model UN, debate, or a civic club.

  • Intern or volunteer with local government offices.

  • Organize voter education or community forums.


Programs


Computer Science


What colleges want to see: problem-solving, creativity, and persistence.


Ideas to show depth

  • Build apps, websites, or automation tools.

  • Compete in hackathons or coding competitions.

  • Start a coding club or tutor peers.


Programs


Biology / Pre-Med


What colleges want to see: curiosity, research mindset, commitment to science.


Ideas to show depth

  • Assist in a research lab or independent study.

  • Volunteer with health or science outreach organizations.

  • Participate in science fairs or conferences.


Programs


Performing Arts


What colleges want to see: dedication, growth, and artistic voice.


Ideas to show depth

  • Take leadership roles in productions or ensembles.

  • Create original performances or workshops.

  • Build a portfolio or audition reel.


Programs


Education


What colleges want to see: leadership, patience, and real teaching experience.


Ideas to show depth

  • Start or lead a tutoring program.

  • Serve as a camp counselor or classroom aide.

  • Create educational content or workshops.


Physical Therapy


What colleges want to see: understanding of human movement and care.


Ideas to show depth

  • Volunteer in PT clinics or adaptive sports programs.

  • Shadow physical therapists.

  • Take anatomy or kinesiology coursework.


Programs


Zoology / Animal Science


What colleges want to see: responsibility, research interest, care for animals.


Ideas to show depth

  • Volunteer at zoos, shelters, or wildlife rehab centers.

  • Conduct animal behavior studies.

  • Start a wildlife or conservation club.


The Big Takeaway


You don’t need more activities. You need better-aligned ones.


Two or three meaningful commitments that connect to each other will always speak louder than a résumé full of unrelated checkboxes.


How My Admissions Sherpa Can Help


Not sure how to turn interests into a clear, compelling admissions story? That’s exactly what we do at My Admissions Sherpa.


We help students:

  • Clarify academic interests

  • Choose the right activities and summer programs

  • Build a focused narrative that colleges actually understand


If your student is a junior wondering, “Am I doing the right things?”—now is the perfect time to get expert guidance.


👉 Learn how My Admissions Sherpa can help you stand out with purpose.

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