Just figured I'd share because it might benefit lots of folks here...

[Anonymous]

I just had a long coffee meetup with a private college counselor who has been doing this for many years (since the late 1990s). I know her from my neighborhood but also wanted to talk to her professionally as my DS is a rising sophomore. For context, my kid is a good student but not an academic superstar (as in, does not take all APs and does not have all As); sporty but not on par to be recruited by a college; and very talented at visual arts. I actually don't think we'll work together because she lives nearby, and to be honest not sure it's even in my budget to work with anybody, but she did level with me about what she's seeing in an objective, kind-neighbor way and I thought it might help some other folks here. If it helps, I am on the East Coast but no longer in DC.

Right now, top schools are inundated with many kids who all look the same on paper. All APs. High GPAs. Top SAT scores. Club sports. Check whichever box you like. These applicants are virtually indistinguishable from one another. It's like, in her words, "picking rabbits out of a hat" in terms of who gets accepted (legacy admits notwithstanding). The arbitrary nature is fueling mega anxiety for kids and parents alike.

Kids who stand out show a longstanding commitment to an interest and a willingness to pursue that thoughtfully. For example, she pointed to a client who opted for college-prep (not AP) chemistry in order to pursue an independent study in music theory. Less workload in a class they did not plan to pursue in college also left this kid time to tutor younger kids in piano.

Essays also weigh heavily. I forget the phrase she used, but in an era of AI and SEO, this is an area where a kid's personality and passion for a school can truly shine. She emphasized that kids who tailor essays to the school, who have done their research and use specifics about why they want to go there, really stand out now more than ever. Kids who emphasize how they will contribute to the school community and why it's a fit stand out.

I am going to try to think of more takeaways from our conversation and can add them here, but I thought this was useful especially as I was wringing my hands over my kid's AP course selection next year.

[Anonymous]

What about leadership? What's her say on this topic?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about leadership? What's her say on this topic?

Oh yes she said this: hugely important in your area of focus. As in, being president of every club isn't helpful instead of a long-term sustained demonstrated growing interest resulting in leadership in an area.

[Anonymous]

Meh. Any college admissions officer would say that the kid who stands out at elite colleges is the one who took AP Chem while at the same time taking doing the independent music thing.

[Anonymous]

PP here. I’m specifically thinking of Dean J at the University of Virginia, who has made clear time and again that your core subjects are considered extremely important regardless of interest or intended major. You don’t skimp on them for electives.

[Anonymous]

Thank you.
Your discussion confirms the reasoning for my DC's results:

- private HS without the "top" math and science rigor
- test optional
- humanities double major for all apps
- 2 independent research projects in a niche humanities field, one recognized nationally (with mentors on both projects from inside and outside of school)
- national level honors/recognition (weird or uncommon) interests (that DC had been doing on the side for 10+ years)
- started a club in HS tangentially related to indpep research/prospective major that grew and lives on after DC's graduation
- a few more regular ECs with reg school leadership (common)
- pt job at an uncommon spot for a teen
- School CCO said the tailored supplemental essays for 3 T20 schools were some of the best they've seen in a decade (DC got into all 3 schools). DC spent months on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here. I’m specifically thinking of Dean J at the University of Virginia, who has made clear time and again that your core subjects are considered extremely important regardless of interest or intended major. You don’t skimp on them for electives.

Public flagships have a formula. So does UNC. and UT.
I wouldn't take that to mean that's what private T10 are looking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here. I’m specifically thinking of Dean J at the University of Virginia, who has made clear time and again that your core subjects are considered extremely important regardless of interest or intended major. You don’t skimp on them for electives.

That's one school and one person. I don't think you "skimp" on them. Of course they matter. But if you want to stand out, show demonstrated commitment to your area of focus with the willingness and courage (and it is courage) to be decisive about where you spend your time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Meh. Any college admissions officer would say that the kid who stands out at elite colleges is the one who took AP Chem while at the same time taking doing the independent music thing.

This actually isn't true. In most cases, the kid who stands out is the one with a unique story. Right now, a lot of kids have the same (overachieving, overtaxed) story.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, OP! Really helpful writeup. It's bananas out there, and level-setting is helpful. Apologies in advance for the DCUM griefers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about leadership? What's her say on this topic?

Oh yes she said this: hugely important in your area of focus. As in, being president of every club isn't helpful instead of a long-term sustained demonstrated growing interest resulting in leadership in an area.

Did she list some examples?

[Anonymous]

That confirms what I see on Reddit from AO, who posts long threads.


https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/1ltg9o8/aos_what_have_been_the_most_memorable/

https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/1el2epb/ama_im_tom_i_worked_in_highlyselective_admissions/

https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/13impgn/im_irena_former_stanford_admissions_officer/

https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingIvyLeague/comments/1lrz8t4/heres_what_they_dont_tell_you_about_college/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meh. Any college admissions officer would say that the kid who stands out at elite colleges is the one who took AP Chem while at the same time taking doing the independent music thing.

This actually isn't true. In most cases, the kid who stands out is the one with a unique story. Right now, a lot of kids have the same (overachieving, overtaxed) story.

True, and they kind of hate the nauseating overachievers now. It's why you see them getting dinged with 'perfect everything' and they don't know why. It's clear they have no true passion, no north star. College admission is the goal for those kids, and most selective (private) colleges don't want those kids.

[Anonymous]

There was a good old thread on here - that I just bumped up.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1252345.page

[Anonymous]

Everyone has all APs, so stand out by not having all APs and doing something else?

That might be fine for the selective schools, but like a pp said, for the most selectives, you should probably aim for the APs and the interesting experience.