Can confirm (though only anecdotally). I was bullied a lot in middle school. But in high school I got into customizing Sony Ericsson mobiles (changing the font, making custom themes with their SDK), javascript programming (entered a few competitions with some fellow nerds), music and singing in the choir and the theater. Somehow those things got me respect, admiration, and a girlfriend. As the "to cool for fun" kinds were slowly adulting up, they realized I have lots of opportunity to learn stuff and to socialize, lots of confidence too (most don't even dare to sing in music class), and will get into whatever college I want with whatever customized resume I want. I had a straight vision for a career in mechanical engineering (though am currently in IT), while they struggled to find a path in life in college application season.