Mentioning potentially expensive extra-curriculars - do or don't?

[Anonymous]

My children take riding lessons, without participating in events or competitions. It's therapeutic, in the sense that it gets them out of themselves, and doing something in the fresh air out of our urban area. It doesn't actually cost me all that much, but I wonder at the perception if they write this on an application. We do not anticipate getting any financial aid.

What do you think?

[Anonymous]

Experts (private college counselors in DMV) say that the only two things not to write about are horses and sailing.

[Anonymous]

If they have done it for years, I would include it among their EC's.

You should teach your kids to be honest.

You should let the schools know who they would be getting if they chose your kid.

It is about finding a good fit, not twisting your kid like a pretzel so they appear to be what the school is looking for.

[Anonymous]

My DD was a competitive rider at a high level. She wrote it on her app, why shouldn’t she? Confused.

[Anonymous]

Mention on the extracurriculars section? Yes, because one thing you want to show is that your kids can manage a busy schedule.

Mention in the essay? No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Experts (private college counselors in DMV) say that the only two things not to write about are horses and sailing.

Which is stupid.

[Anonymous]

If it’s a true interest, say so and have your child explain why they enjoy it (“It gives me a sense a peace while riding…”

[Anonymous]

My understanding is that there is a finite amount of space to talk about extra curriculars. I wouldn't rule them out just because they are expensive. Colleges know that some people have more money; they count on it. If it's meaningful to your kids and they have done it for a significant amount of time, I think it's fine to mention as long as it doesn't prevent them from mentioning more meaningful things..

I also think it would be fine to weave into an essay if it is that meaningful to them, but I'm assuming their whole essay wouldn't be about it.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you mention the "therapeutic" part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Experts (private college counselors in DMV) say that the only two things not to write about are horses and sailing.

Interesting because my kid is an equestrian. It is basically her EC. Sh completes at nationally ranked shows, etc. If this is true, she's screwed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD was a competitive rider at a high level. She wrote it on her app, why shouldn’t she? Confused.

Other equestrian mom here--did she do ok in admissions? I assume it isn't really an issue. Many of these schools have riding teams and clubs. My kid is not getting recruited for an NCEA tam, but it's possible she rides in a club. Riding can't be the devil if the schools have it themselves. If anything, I would imagine it signals full pay since riding costs us more annually than college tuition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Experts (private college counselors in DMV) say that the only two things not to write about are horses and sailing.

Interesting because my kid is an equestrian. It is basically her EC. Sh completes at nationally ranked shows, etc. If this is true, she's screwed.

It’s not true. My Dd was also a competitive rider (showing at Devon etc) and she got into a great school - several in fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD was a competitive rider at a high level. She wrote it on her app, why shouldn’t she? Confused.

Other equestrian mom here--did she do ok in admissions? I assume it isn't really an issue. Many of these schools have riding teams and clubs. My kid is not getting recruited for an NCEA tam, but it's possible she rides in a club. Riding can't be the devil if the schools have it themselves. If anything, I would imagine it signals full pay since riding costs us more annually than college tuition.

I think there's a difference between writing your essay about an activity you put a ton of time into, and writing about something you do once or twice a week as a way to get a break.

No one is saying don't put it in the section where you list activities, or where you list awards/honors. Just be careful if choosing it as an essay topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD was a competitive rider at a high level. She wrote it on her app, why shouldn’t she? Confused.

Other equestrian mom here--did she do ok in admissions? I assume it isn't really an issue. Many of these schools have riding teams and clubs. My kid is not getting recruited for an NCEA tam, but it's possible she rides in a club. Riding can't be the devil if the schools have it themselves. If anything, I would imagine it signals full pay since riding costs us more annually than college tuition.

She did great in admissions and goes to a coveted DCUM school. She got in everywhere she applied other then a hail mary reach. She was recruited for NCEA but was not interested in any of those schools. She rides on her club team.

[Anonymous]

pp here, her main essay was not about riding, only one supplemental was.