I think Excellent Sheep by Deresiewicz mentions that very selective institutions are looking for “pointy circles”—e.g., better than average in most things with one particularly standout trait. It’s been a while since I read it, so I think it might be looking over again with a critical eye toward the stats.
Also, well-roundedness, at least from word-of-mouth from someone involved in medical school admissions at a top 25 medical school, is used to proxy “effortlessness” rather than passion, i.e., someone who can handle much more work than average without burning out. From peers that look at their college admissions folder, there tends to be selection for filling a certain niche on campus (e.g., this person will probably lead a cultural club, this one is likely to join this niche club, etc.). So in some ways, it actively selects against students who primarily want to pursue high impact careers.
I think Excellent Sheep by Deresiewicz mentions that very selective institutions are looking for “pointy circles”—e.g., better than average in most things with one particularly standout trait. It’s been a while since I read it, so I think it might be looking over again with a critical eye toward the stats.
Also, well-roundedness, at least from word-of-mouth from someone involved in medical school admissions at a top 25 medical school, is used to proxy “effortlessness” rather than passion, i.e., someone who can handle much more work than average without burning out. From peers that look at their college admissions folder, there tends to be selection for filling a certain niche on campus (e.g., this person will probably lead a cultural club, this one is likely to join this niche club, etc.). So in some ways, it actively selects against students who primarily want to pursue high impact careers.