Importance of activities in college?

[Anonymous]

HS Jr DS is involved at a high level in a niche activity. It's not anything connected to what he wants to study/do professionally, but it's something that gives him a lot of joy. It's only possible to do this activity at a relatively small handful of schools, not including schools that I think would otherwise be a good social and academic fit. Recognizing that the ultimate choice is his, how would you guide him? Doing things that bring you joy is important, but in his case it's very limiting.

[Anonymous]

If something brings a kid joy, why not find a school where they can continue? College can be such a rat race (academically, socially, club culture, internship search), so I think it's really important to have healthy non acadenic outlets. My kid is a freshman at an ivy. I was pretty insistent about them joining an activity they have been doing/enjoying/successful at for many years. They love it, have met friends who share that interest, and it's been a great part of the college experience so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If something brings a kid joy, why not find a school where they can continue? College can be such a rat race (academically, socially, club culture, internship search), so I think it's really important to have healthy non acadenic outlets. My kid is a freshman at an ivy. I was pretty insistent about them joining an activity they have been doing/enjoying/successful at for many years. They love it, have met friends who share that interest, and it's been a great part of the college experience so far.

Would you say the same if it meant your child couldn't attend an ivy?

[Anonymous]

If it was something like synchronized skating where it would mean the kid couldn’t attend an Ivy but could attend a T50 school, that wouldn’t bother me.

[Anonymous]

Having something like that is a great way to find your people at college. My kid had 2 activities he loved and wanted to continue and I was amazed at how easily he made friends and formed strong social bonds. I see and hear of other kids who had a much harder time, perhaps because they didn’t have those ways to connect with like-minded people. So I would encourage it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If something brings a kid joy, why not find a school where they can continue? College can be such a rat race (academically, socially, club culture, internship search), so I think it's really important to have healthy non acadenic outlets. My kid is a freshman at an ivy. I was pretty insistent about them joining an activity they have been doing/enjoying/successful at for many years. They love it, have met friends who share that interest, and it's been a great part of the college experience so far.

Would you say the same if it meant your child couldn't attend an ivy?

i think so because if my kid had the stats for an ivy, then they will have many strong options. I also think college is more than classes and prestige. It's a full experience and every kid is different in terms of the right college environmenr and what makes them happy. We compiled a list of schools - looking at strong fit for academic, social, EC, geography, etc. There was only 1 ivy on our list bc it was a great fit for my kid and met many of those criteria, but many other 'top' schools did not. I will say that, for my kid, continuing their EC in college gives them an added sense of belonging and confidence.

[Anonymous]

These kids are more than just what they do in the classroom. If your child finds joy and is passionate about a hobby/activity, I believe that encouraging him/her to continue at some level, in college, and beyond, is the best path.

[Anonymous]

For what it's worth my DS was super involved in high school in a variety of activities most of which didn't relate to his major. He didn't limit his applications on the basis but when it came time to pick where to attend (he didn't ED) it definitely mattered. He is at an Ivy and is in the EC's many of which he mentioned in his "why X school" essays.

[Anonymous]

Students often change their college preferences after the application dates have passed.

Just be sure DC applies not only to colleges which have their niche activity, but also to other “good fit” colleges. That way, if DC’s priorities or preferences change then they have other applications already filed. In the end, the choice will be from among the acceptances in hand.

Worst case, it is possible to transfer to a different college for sophomore year, although that is an lot of extra work.

[Anonymous]

it's important ime. being good at something is good. some other clubs not so easy to get into

[Anonymous]

It’s an important piece of the “fit” puzzle. What you describe is similar to the experience of many recruited athletes, who may only get offers to play from a handful of schools.

[Anonymous]

I can’t think of many activities that you could only do at a small handful of colleges. If they don’t have it already, start a club when you get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If something brings a kid joy, why not find a school where they can continue? College can be such a rat race (academically, socially, club culture, internship search), so I think it's really important to have healthy non acadenic outlets. My kid is a freshman at an ivy. I was pretty insistent about them joining an activity they have been doing/enjoying/successful at for many years. They love it, have met friends who share that interest, and it's been a great part of the college experience so far.

Would you say the same if it meant your child couldn't attend an ivy?

Np here. Of course! I don’t like people like you. But I was concerned by not having a good fit otherwise

[Anonymous]

Apply widely to schools with the activity and without it, and see what happens.

He’s a first semester junior now. He’ll know more about what’s important to him by the time he needs to make a decision in the spring of his senior year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s an important piece of the “fit” puzzle. What you describe is similar to the experience of many recruited athletes, who may only get offers to play from a handful of schools.

Exactly. And we know quite a few who ended up transferring because what felt like a fit junior year in high school no longer was by the time they were college freshmen.

Keep your options open, OP. Don’t rule anything out this early.