Watch this interesting video where Sal Khan has a conversation with MIT Dean of Admissions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u3xaicPnA0&feature=em-subs_digest

Many times parents in the past have complained to me that their child has no time for anything outside of hw.  Even when they are just working on their hard courses, there is no guarantee they are getting all As.  Maybe they shouldn't take all the possible hard courses and instead leave some time for an outside project.  They would then have time to work on one of their passions and develop them.

Colleges definitely do not look only at your grades.  This is a blessing for kids as it gives them leeway to also work on things they like outside of their classwork.