The Myth of Overachievers
Is it best to involve our children in as many activities as possible?
This commentary first aired November 3, 2001 on Family News in Focus.
Like many parents, you probably spend a remarkable amount of time in your car, taxing your kids between soccer games, music lessons, or art classes. Years ago, you never imagined you would devote so much of your life to driving a shuttle van. But, taxiing your child from one activity to another is good parenting, you say to yourself. Besides, your well-rounded child will have a better chance at getting into college. Right?
Maybe not. Once upon a time, admissions counselors looked for well-rounded, over-achievers: kids involved in honors classes, sports, student government, and community service, while scoring 1400 on SATs.
But now counselors overlook well-rounded kids for those with more focused interests. Finding the over-achievers "spread too thin" and accusing them of padding resumes, counselors seek those who stick out from the typically well-rounded crowd.
The cause behind this change may be identified by an old source: C.S. Lewis. In a 1955 essay, Lewis bemoaned those who participated in cultural activities for the sake of looking cultured rather than out of sincere interest.
Today, admissions counselors react much like Lewis. They ignore students who flit from one activity to another because of how it makes them look. Instead, counselors eye those displaying genuine interest and excellence in one or two endeavors, who participate in activities because of a passion they hold for them. In such students, admissions officials see persons of depth and of discipline.
If you’re taxiing your child around because of his sincere interest in all those activities, happy driving. But if your over-committed overachiever reflects your desire for a well-rounded, potential college student, you may want to rethink all of that time spent in your car.
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