Do smart kids without extracurriculars get into top schools?
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Anonymous
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My friend has a daughter who has always been smart and gifted. Family never pushes her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. She has no extracurricular activities besides enjoying writing and drawing. I don’t think she has any competitions or awards. Both parents attended public state schools.
Can a girl like this get into any top schools? UVA? |
Anonymous
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Maybe if full pay or legacy?
I think colleges prefer students who will be part of the community and contribute their ideas and talents to it. For example, my college kid was engaged in work that directly related to their college. I believe this gave them an advantage even though their GPA was not sky high. She can try and see! |
Anonymous
| If your child is an amazing programmer or engineer and does that with their free time that's much for valuable towards a stem degree than volunteering to feed children in Africa |
Anonymous
UVa? Maybe. Top schools? No f'king way. |
Anonymous
Is she good at creative writing? Lots of 'activities' especially volunteer work would be impossible to verify |
Anonymous
| Honestly, no. She'll get into a great school, but not top 10. |
Anonymous
| Anything is possible. Maybe she is a great essay writer. ECs can be fiction, no one verifies. |
Anonymous
| These things that are mentioned are stupid unless you are a studying to be a politician or volunteer company they are worthless for future employers. We really need to make it all skills based from gpa, courses and sat/act. |
Anonymous
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No one can predict who will be admitted to college. We have not read her application, no idea of the specifics, how compelling her essays are, what classes she is taking, etc etc.
Anyone who says she can or can’t be admitted from the paragraph you wrote is about as useful as a random guess. |
Anonymous
| Public university yes. Ivy no. |
Anonymous
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This is a great example of just keeping your eyes on your own paper.
Why does this matter? |
Anonymous
DP. My DC has a friend like this. Naturally gifted and only colleges on list are two top colleges. No extracurriculars. I told DC to encourage this kid to get involved in something. |
Anonymous
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Writing and drawing are extracurriculars. There are ways to explain those. She may also be involved in things you are not aware of.
My understanding is that essays are much more important than the activity list. |
Anonymous
No and likely no. So she is home EVERY DAY by 3:30pm? PT job? Any clubs, organized sports or musical instrument? Any of her writing/drawing been "recognized"? |
Anonymous
Stay in your lane. |