It’s 11:03 p.m., and I’m sitting at my desk contemplating whether I should scream into a pillow or throw my laptop out the window. Of course, I will do neither because I’m a totally responsible, well-behaved teenager, but I’m keeping my options open. Writing college admissions essays is difficult, but it’s even harder when you know that admissions officers scour high schools searching for “well-rounded” students.

Excuse me, admissions officer, but what does that mean?

Well, a “well-rounded” person could also be referred to as a Renaissance Man. The Renaissance Man was a term used in the 1400s to describe a charming, educated fellow who excelled in the arts and was a seasoned athlete. I am fascinated by this concept because it seems to embody the stigma most high schoolers latch onto, thinking it’s the only way to secure them a spot at their first choice college or that they’ll somehow be considered more successful because of their widespread “talents.”

The Renaissance Man is an unrealistic, society-induced expectation that we continue to strive for today.

In the midst of applying to colleges, I’ve realized just how much the idea of the Renaissance Man has impacted my choices. When I started high school, I had a plan. I needed to ace advanced classes, dominate a sport and conquer a fine art, all while working as a dedicated, volunteer-savvy civil servant on weekends. Only then could I be considered a well-rounded student who admissions officers might be impressed with. But almost four years have passed, and instead I, like many others, seem to have become the “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Which was most definitely not the plan.

By participating in so many different activities, I didn’t have time to focus on and truly excel in one thing.

As children, many of us were free to try any activity that sparked our interest. I myself have tried (and failed) to be a poppin’ hip-hop dancer, ice-skater and swimmer while my friends have also tried (and failed) to be promising soccer players, pianists and artists. We participated in all these activities out of sheer curiosity and for some good ol’ fashioned fun. But upon entering high school, our entire philosophy changed. Yes, we might still participate in activities we enjoy, but stacked on top of them are extracurriculars used to enhance our high school resumes.

It’s a card tower just waiting to collapse.

Not only is it tiring to continuously work at an array of things only to end up being mediocre, it’s incredibly frustrating. We need to understand that a Renaissance Man (or woman, but that’s another issue) isn’t going to be a better person just because he or she is decent at a variety of activities. Specializing in one thing can even potentially bring more to the table because he or she isn’t the “jack,” but rather the “king” of that trade.

What we’re able to achieve with our individualized talents is what makes us unique. So, shouldn’t we focus more on improving what we’re really good at rather than trying to do everything at once? And yes, I know there’s that one kid who somehow manages to be the “jack of all trades, master of all,” but he or she is a special species we mere mortals simply just cannot compete with.

While some admissions officers may not agree, don’t try to be just another “jack.” Switch it up, and try being a “queen” or “king” of one trade. Being a Renaissance Man might not get you as far as you think it will.

After all, it’s not the 1400s anymore. It’s about time we moved on.