What extracurriculars would you *not* mention, because they reek of privilege/other negatives?

[Anonymous]

Where do you draw the line at reporting something super-expensive (sailing, pilot's license, climbing internationally, equestrian)?
Or other things that just say "I'm rich" (unpaid internships, especially ones where you have to be connected -- banks, senators, etc.)?

[Anonymous]

I'm confused. Rich kids have a huge advantage in the college admissions process. Are you saying you'd hide the fact that you're rich out of equity concerns? Because you're putting address, your kid's school, and your occupations on the form. That's all they need to figure it out and for your kid to get the hook.

[Anonymous]

SAT/ACT

[Anonymous]

I feel like there is a subtle or not so subtle troll on today.

[Anonymous]

I think you should take some of your millions and hire a college counselor. They would probably tell you that it doesn't matter if an activity is free or costs thousands. The important features are time spent, expertise, leadership, commitment, etc. If your child regularly climbs internationally, that obviously is a huge time commitment and should be mentioned. If they went one time on spring break and hired a local to carry their gear to the top of a mountain for them that would be as silly to include as having a single surfing lesson on vacation at Myrtle Beach.

[Anonymous]

Had no issue with my DD letting colleges know that she’s a nationally ranked equestrian. She got in everywhere she wanted to guess it wasn’t the problem you think it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Had no issue with my DD letting colleges know that she’s a nationally ranked equestrian. She got in everywhere she wanted to guess it wasn’t the problem you think it is.

But is she a horse dancer? I think horse dancing might be the answer. I think it's going to be the next thing to be un-pc.
Décolletage? No. Dressage?

[Anonymous]

You know for a while I was seriously thinking my DS needs to include playing video games becsuse it’s such a big part of his social life and his imagination. However I will probably refrain from advising him to do it. But I am tempted to put a spin on it you know!

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP - not a troll. My child does an activity that I mentioned, and another mom told me not to report it because (and I quote) "it smacks of privilege." I don't agree, but I wanted to get a sense of what other people think. And yes, I agree with the poster who said they know my address and such and can make some reasonable assumptions based on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the OP - not a troll. My child does an activity that I mentioned, and another mom told me not to report it because (and I quote) "it smacks of privilege." I don't agree, but I wanted to get a sense of what other people think. And yes, I agree with the poster who said they know my address and such and can make some reasonable assumptions based on that.

m
My kid is an equestrian. She mentioned it. It’s her main activity. Otherwise, it looks like she does very little. You want to go somewhere that accepts your child as is. Why omit accomplishments?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the OP - not a troll. My child does an activity that I mentioned, and another mom told me not to report it because (and I quote) "it smacks of privilege." I don't agree, but I wanted to get a sense of what other people think. And yes, I agree with the poster who said they know my address and such and can make some reasonable assumptions based on that.

m
My kid is an equestrian. She mentioned it. It’s her main activity. Otherwise, it looks like she does very little. You want to go somewhere that accepts your child as is. Why omit accomplishments?

Thanks - I agree. I think my "friend" is talking out her a$$ or just trying to sabotage my kid.

[Anonymous]

Activities such as fencing and squash can be a hook at some schools. For example, Lawrenceville squash players have a hook with Princeton University. Lacrosse is another sport which may indicate economic well-being to some. Golf as well.

After my morning fencing match, I like to engage in a spirited game of squash, then talk to my lacrosse coach while playing a quick nine about strategy for the upcoming game keeping secret my plans to pilot my plane to Tanzania to do a swift climb up Mount Kilimanjaro after which I will ride bareback to partake in a sailing competition on Lake Victoria before jetting--first class so that I can assist the pilot if needed--back in time for warm-ups prior to playing in the lacrosse match.

[Anonymous]

I forbade DS from mentioning his extensive video gaming time, unless he could somehow write a great essay about it. He couldn't, so that got shelved. It's not like he won a gaming championship, or was a YouTuber with millions of followers.

Anything that get you noticed is worth mentioning, but only if there's a measurable achievement you can point to.

All my kids have ridden horses, but again, it's just a hobby, no eventing or anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I forbade DS from mentioning his extensive video gaming time, unless he could somehow write a great essay about it. He couldn't, so that got shelved. It's not like he won a gaming championship, or was a YouTuber with millions of followers.

Anything that get you noticed is worth mentioning, but only if there's a measurable achievement you can point to.

All my kids have ridden horses, but again, it's just a hobby, no eventing or anything.

I am the first videogame PP.
so what do I do if my DS has a measurable achievement in about nothing?
He draws and wrestles but it’s all recreational. He is passionate about videogames though lol

[Anonymous]

Interesting, I don't think of lacrosse as a rich people sport, but I'm from upstate NY where every public high school has a team.