“Passion” is a word that gets thrown around often during the college admissions process. So many students and parents have heard that colleges reward passion in applicants that it can begin to sound like a high school kid needs to identify her life’s pursuit if she wants to get into college today.
But colleges understand that what lights up a seventeen-year-old student today may not continue once that student gets to college. What makes passion appealing for colleges is the fact that it’s the passionate kids who tend to be curious, dedicated and capable of making an impact doing something they care about. The focus of the passion might change, but the characteristics that drive it tend to stay the same.
So students, find what interests you today. Commit to it enthusiastically and make the kind of impact that will be noticeable when you move on. And if that interest is something you genuinely want to continue during college, say so. But if not, no pressure. The fact that you found and committed to something you care about is what impresses colleges in the first place.