Rethinking the “Well-Rounded Student” – Featured in Northern Westchester’s ConnectToMag

“Do Everything” or “Do YOU”? A Message for Students on the Rise

You might’ve seen my name pop up in the latest issue of ConnectToMag (September–October 2025)—a regional magazine that highlights education voices across Northern Westchester. It was an honor to be featured as part of their conversation around what it really means to be “college-ready.”

As an Independent Educational Consultant and the founder of Hamlet Education, I’ve spent years helping teens and families figure out what matters most in the high school journey. Some call me the College Whisperer—because I help students cut through the noise, find their voice, and follow a path that feels like theirs (not everyone else’s).

So when ConnectToMag asked me to weigh in on the “well-rounded student” ideal, I was excited to offer a different take—one rooted in clarity, not chaos.

“There’s an overemphasis on quantity and not enough on quality and coherence. Students think they have to do everything, when in fact, colleges are often looking for purposeful direction.”

Let’s Talk About That “Well-Rounded” Label

What do we even mean by “well-rounded”? Usually, it looks something like this:

• Straight As in all subjects

• A leadership position or two

• Varsity sports

• Musical talent

• Community service

• Summer internships

• Passion project on the side

It’s not just unrealistic—it’s unsustainable. And worse, it encourages students to spread themselves too thin, often ignoring what actually lights them up inside.

So… What Do Colleges Want?

Admissions officers aren’t sitting around counting the number of clubs you’re in. They’re looking for:

• Curiosity

• Growth over time

• Intellectual engagement

• Authenticity

• Commitment

In other words: depth > breadth. A student who has built a meaningful podcast about local politics or spent two years doing biology research in their backyard is often far more compelling than someone with a mile-wide, inch-deep activity list.

And here’s where the magic happens: when students focus on what they actually enjoy, they not only stand out more—they're also happier and healthier.

For 9th and 10th Graders: Start With Clarity, Not Chaos

If you’re just starting high school (or parenting someone who is), this is the perfect time to press pause on the pressure and get strategic. You don’t need to have it all figured out—but you do need to start figuring out what matters most.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Explore broadly at first, but pay attention to what sticks.

• Reflect early and often. What are you learning about yourself from your activities?

• Don’t overstack your schedule. Protect time to breathe and think.

• Seek guidance. Whether through Hamlet Education or another trusted advisor, getting feedback can prevent wasted energy later.

9th and 10th grade are not just “prep years” for 11th and 12th. They’re foundational. The right moves now can reduce stress and strengthen your story later.

Hamlet Education: Built for Students Who Want to Be More Than Just “Impressive”

At Hamlet Education, I work with students to design academic and extracurricular paths that are:

• Aligned with their values

• Grounded in personal interest

• Sustainable over time

• Positioned for meaningful college applications

This isn’t about building better resumes. It’s about building better humans.

👉 Book a Free Consultation Here

Why This Matters More Than Ever

We’re in an age where students are more anxious, overcommitted, and underslept than ever before. The myth of the well-rounded student isn’t just outdated—it’s harmful. And as parents, educators, and advisors, we have a responsibility to replace it with something more real.

Instead of asking, “What else should I be doing?” students should ask, “What do I want to keep doing—even when no one’s watching?”

That’s the energy that creates standout applications—and more importantly, joyful young adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it bad to be involved in lots of things?
Not at all! But if everything feels surface-level or forced, it may be time to trim and refocus. Quality over quantity.

Q: What if my student doesn’t have a “passion” yet?
Totally normal—especially in 9th and 10th grade. That’s where exploration comes in. We help students test ideas without the pressure to “pick a path” too early.

Q: Can you help with course selection, too?
Absolutely. We offer academic planning as well as extracurricular strategy.

Keep the Conversation Going

You can read the full ConnectToMag article here (pages 56–57):
Read it on ConnectToMag

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