Distinguishing your application

[Anonymous]

How can a female applicant (current junior) interested in political science or public policy distinguish themselves from the pack? Being involved in local politics, student govt, Model UN, a few local volunteer comm service orgs/events and one political internship + sports leadership.

Worried it doesn't "stand out". What makes for a memorable application? Should kids focus more on hobbies or unrelated academic interests (costume design, upcycling clothes/jewelry online, pettsitting and dog-walking business)? All real interests that have been put on the side for "real" ECs.

[Anonymous]

Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

She is looking for T15/Ivy....
She has the grades, the rigor, and a 1520. Retaking.
Looking at political science, public policy, or sociology. Natl counseling firm thinks it's a stretch given no national awards or published research. They said her application is indistinguishable from thousands of other high-achieving girls interested in poli sci.
They are suggesting an ED1 to Emory, which seems strange (ED2 there might make sense?)

What types of things might make her distinctive or memorable enough to be admitted?

[Anonymous]

Get a job

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

She is looking for T15/Ivy....
She has the grades, the rigor, and a 1520. Retaking.
Looking at political science, public policy, or sociology. Natl counseling firm thinks it's a stretch given no national awards or published research. They said her application is indistinguishable from thousands of other high-achieving girls interested in poli sci.
They are suggesting an ED1 to Emory, which seems strange (ED2 there might make sense?)

What types of things might make her distinctive or memorable enough to be admitted?


Is she at public school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

She is looking for T15/Ivy....
She has the grades, the rigor, and a 1520. Retaking.
Looking at political science, public policy, or sociology. Natl counseling firm thinks it's a stretch given no national awards or published research. They said her application is indistinguishable from thousands of other high-achieving girls interested in poli sci.
They are suggesting an ED1 to Emory, which seems strange (ED2 there might make sense?)

What types of things might make her distinctive or memorable enough to be admitted?


Is she at public school?

Yes, a non-DMV (famous-ish) public school - might be considered a feeder of sorts.
I've been watching the results this year - the boys are killing it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

She is looking for T15/Ivy....
She has the grades, the rigor, and a 1520. Retaking.
Looking at political science, public policy, or sociology. Natl counseling firm thinks it's a stretch given no national awards or published research. They said her application is indistinguishable from thousands of other high-achieving girls interested in poli sci.
They are suggesting an ED1 to Emory, which seems strange (ED2 there might make sense?)

What types of things might make her distinctive or memorable enough to be admitted?

Do NOT do ED to Emory, especially if she goes to a feeder, as you have mentioned. Consider Cornell (public policy school), UChicago, and Northwestern for ED. ED2 Emory if she likes it enough.

It's a bit late, but to stand out, an independent project with measurable, targeted community impact would significantly help. That or a prestigious/impressive internship.

[Anonymous]

what does she want to do as a career? run for office? work at the White House? Capitol Hill? policy expert?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

She is looking for T15/Ivy....
She has the grades, the rigor, and a 1520. Retaking.
Looking at political science, public policy, or sociology. Natl counseling firm thinks it's a stretch given no national awards or published research. They said her application is indistinguishable from thousands of other high-achieving girls interested in poli sci.
They are suggesting an ED1 to Emory, which seems strange (ED2 there might make sense?)

What types of things might make her distinctive or memorable enough to be admitted?

Do NOT do ED to Emory, especially if she goes to a feeder, as you have mentioned. Consider Cornell (public policy school), UChicago, and Northwestern for ED. ED2 Emory if she likes it enough.

It's a bit late, but to stand out, an independent project with measurable, targeted community impact would significantly help. That or a prestigious/impressive internship.

What is a prestigious internship? Senate page? She is doing that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what does she want to do as a career? run for office? work at the White House? Capitol Hill? policy expert?

No idea. Maybe policy or law.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

She is looking for T15/Ivy....
She has the grades, the rigor, and a 1520. Retaking.
Looking at political science, public policy, or sociology. Natl counseling firm thinks it's a stretch given no national awards or published research. They said her application is indistinguishable from thousands of other high-achieving girls interested in poli sci.
They are suggesting an ED1 to Emory, which seems strange (ED2 there might make sense?)

What types of things might make her distinctive or memorable enough to be admitted?

Senate page I think is prestigious. I would consider ignoring college counselor's advice. Emory is a safer choice but not if she won't be happy

Do NOT do ED to Emory, especially if she goes to a feeder, as you have mentioned. Consider Cornell (public policy school), UChicago, and Northwestern for ED. ED2 Emory if she likes it enough.

It's a bit late, but to stand out, an independent project with measurable, targeted community impact would significantly help. That or a prestigious/impressive internship.

What is a prestigious internship? Senate page? She is doing that.

[Anonymous]

u shud read the post about barbs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless she wants T15/ivy she does not need to do anything else than have top grades with max or close to max rigor and a couple of ECs she cares about. She has enough ECs for most schools below T15. She should make sure scores grades and coursework are up to par for the schools she is targeting T16-30. Below that it gets easier.

If she wants T15/ivy she’d better be very close to the top of her class at public, or for a private/top magnet like TJ, top10% or at least 15%, and she better have maxed out on rigor plus have great LOR that indicate she will be a good citizen on campus in and out of the classroom. She needs to show deep involvement with at least two ECs and needs to be able to convey why she cares about them. Some academic accolades/awards would be nice such as acceptance to selective summer programs or local/regional awards at a minimum. As a junior it is a little late to develop a deep EC interest that is genuine.

She is looking for T15/Ivy....
She has the grades, the rigor, and a 1520. Retaking.
Looking at political science, public policy, or sociology. Natl counseling firm thinks it's a stretch given no national awards or published research. They said her application is indistinguishable from thousands of other high-achieving girls interested in poli sci.
They are suggesting an ED1 to Emory, which seems strange (ED2 there might make sense?)

What types of things might make her distinctive or memorable enough to be admitted?

Do NOT do ED to Emory, especially if she goes to a feeder, as you have mentioned. Consider Cornell (public policy school), UChicago, and Northwestern for ED. ED2 Emory if she likes it enough.

It's a bit late, but to stand out, an independent project with measurable, targeted community impact would significantly help. That or a prestigious/impressive internship.

What is a prestigious internship? Senate page? She is doing that.

Senate page is very prestigious. Congrats to her on securing that.

[Anonymous]

Has she considered WASP?

[Anonymous]

Is Senate Page this coming summer? Has she decided who she'll ask to write her recommendations? I think better now to focus on brainstorming for the essays and supplementals - it takes a lot of time to put everything together. And be strategic in asking for LORs.

Good luck!