Help. FIRST and Ivy Leagues.

[Karthik]

For those who were wondering, here's the actual list of Ivy League schools.

• Brown
• Columbia
• Cornell
• Dartmouth
• Harvard
• Penn
• Princeton
• Yale

The well roundedness factor is a huge consideration for all schools, but especially the elite ones. It's in the best interest of the university that their graduates end up being very successful. This is for two major reasons. First, it looks good on the university to have important, high paid graduates. And we all know how much reputation means to a University. Secondly, if you're making lots of money after you graduate, you're much more likely to give some of it back to the university, in the form of a donation.

What does this have to with being well rounded? Well, study after study, after study have shown that well rounded students are far more successful in the real world than those who have just focussed on academics. The main reason for this, is that students involved in a wide array of extra-curricular activities develop a large set of inter-personal skills, that are invaluable in the job market. Also, the discipline required to balance a heavy schedule is key as well.

As a result, the elite schools in North America have recognized this, and now reward students who have a wide array of interests. The most rewarded activities are anything that involves a position of leadership (Student Council, Yearbook Editor...) and athletics.

Having high marks and FIRST as your only extra-curricular, might not cut it. In some cases it will be good enough, in others it might not be. Beware.

My advice to you if you want to go Ivy? First off, make sure you can keep you marks and test scores up. Secondly, go get involved. There's actually a world outside of FIRST. Go check it out, you might find that you like it.

On a side note, if you have the money to go Ivy, do it. From all accounts it's a more than worthwhile experience. I chose against it coming out of high school, and I kick myself every so often. Right now, I'm saving every penny I have, in hopes of going Ivy for Law School.