Thinking about college
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Anonymous
He needed to go to a private high school. It is definitely the golden ticket. |
Anonymous
| My kids didn’t have an amazing arts or sports talent and were really good but not perfect students. My goal was to keep them aware (from start of high school) of what they needed to do in order to be academically competitive for our increasingly harder to get into flagship, find opportunities for career exploration on a budget (no crazy expensive summer program), and support them in finding activities they would enjoy and want to participate in during high school knowing how competitive so many things are. So it was never craft this perfect resume, but it was about exposure to different activities when they were young, having them stick with the things they liked, and having them explore something new and possibly gain leadership in things they had a fighting chance to pick up in high school. By the time they got to the end of 10th they started thinking about schools they might want to attend but it was more about finding the college that fit them rather than trying to change to fit a college. By end of 11th they had their college list. Both ended up T25 at schools that were a good fit for them. |
Anonymous
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For mine, it was 10th grade, but not because she wanted to. She didn't want to go to a top school but also didn't want UMD and thought she'd just go to some mid tier private. But, then I informed her that likely can't afford that but could afford a top tier school because we'd get financial aid. And, that if she didn't step it up, she wouldn't get enough merit at sime schools, and UMD might not be on the table either. (Start loving UMBC abd Towson)! So, she kicked it in gear. I helped her find opportunities, but she did the work -- auditions, competitions, activities. Plus grades and testing of course.
Be honest with your kid. He should not be looking at that tier of admit if not willing to put in the work. And, that's fine too! |
Anonymous
Standardized test scores aren't everything. |
Anonymous
Just applied and got in. I had good test scores, top 10% class rank, varsity sport and student government. Why would I have needed to start planning that stuff out in middle school? |
Anonymous
How old are you? This is so irrelevant. |
Anonymous
It was 1981, probably. 🙄 |
Anonymous
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OP, first of all ... student deserves no accolades because he wants to go to a top school. Means nothing. It's not an accomplishment. He hasn't accomplished anything yet.
I would not encourage the pursuit of ECs in order to have a competitive advantage. If it's not a sincere interest, no. Encourage involvement, commitment and depth of experience. |
Anonymous
But what if extracurriculars are all over the place? Debate, piano, book club, football, etc… |
Anonymous
I feel like you’re a troll OP. Amiright? |
Anonymous
Then … you have a well-rounded, interesting kid? The horror! You want to discourage that because…? |
Anonymous
| DC is at a T20. No AAP, genuinely pursued their interests, grew into a strong student during middle school. No true national awards, but some minorly selective accolades. Was able to tell a story with their application. |
Anonymous
+1 |