As the senior’s year progresses and applications and transcripts are examined, the phrase “well-balanced student” becomes a teen’s mantra.

The question arises in the minds of many: What exactly is a well-balanced student? Parents encourage good grades, placing a 4.0 or higher GPA as a desirable milestone, with the lofty heights of valedictorian standing as the most honored title.

However, the careful calculation of a student’s As, Bs, Cs and honors classes often leaves a portion of their talent unrecognized. Participation in extracurricular activities can help accentuate individual talents.

The value of tennis lessons and yearbook class may fade in the light of a perfect academic record, but they can develop a more profitable set of skills for life after high school.

The proliferation of terms like “valedictorian” and “highest honors” underscores the emphasis schools put on classroom achievement. However, knowing how to design a Web page or play the piano often proves more beneficial than the ability to graph a hyperbola on paper.

Though a student may demonstrate inherent talent in non-academic fields, the individual’s genuine intelligence often gets lost in mediocre test scores and statistics. When college admission departments examine only the applicant’s academic record, they may underestimate abilities which extracurriculars can highlight.

However, college recruiters cannot shoulder all blame, as they sometimes encourage passionate students with specific skills. A talented football player with decidedly average grades can still receive a full scholarship to a prestigious university.

Since colleges are now beginning to place higher value on extracurricular skills and volunteer work, maybe high schools who concentrate solely on academically-minded students can follow suit.

For more opinions from The Feather staff, read the Jan. 23 editorial, Strict routine catalyzes improvement.