boys in humanities - where's the bump

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

Maybe the better thing is to start a new post, sharing your son's background (ECs, electives, and interests), and then ask for help with picking a major. Does your son really not know/have a small preference? If he is the top English and history student at his private school, it may be enough. What are his other ECs?

I'd look for majors like this at the schools he is applying to:
Humanities Interdisciplinary Major:
https://humanities.yale.edu/major-overview
https://bulletin.stanford.edu/departments/INTERHUM/overview
https://humanities.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

I’ll say these all depend on what you’re using English for. Almost none of this applies to DS who had and has no interest in creative writing. He started a book club in an underserved area to discuss progressive, minority-centered literature. He went to a classics camp and got a few national awards for Greek/latin translation. He helped run the English honor society. He was on a student government position to help decide the PTSAs book of the month. He underwent a project with a few friends to create an after school program where kids were read to at the local elementary school.

You have to be a bit more creative if your main interest isn’t in writing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

I’ll say these all depend on what you’re using English for. Almost none of this applies to DS who had and has no interest in creative writing. He started a book club in an underserved area to discuss progressive, minority-centered literature. He went to a classics camp and got a few national awards for Greek/latin translation. He helped run the English honor society. He was on a student government position to help decide the PTSAs book of the month. He underwent a project with a few friends to create an after school program where kids were read to at the local elementary school.

You have to be a bit more creative if your main interest isn’t in writing.

What major did he apply for? Where is he going? Where was he admitted?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

I’ll say these all depend on what you’re using English for. Almost none of this applies to DS who had and has no interest in creative writing. He started a book club in an underserved area to discuss progressive, minority-centered literature. He went to a classics camp and got a few national awards for Greek/latin translation. He helped run the English honor society. He was on a student government position to help decide the PTSAs book of the month. He underwent a project with a few friends to create an after school program where kids were read to at the local elementary school.

You have to be a bit more creative if your main interest isn’t in writing.

What major did he apply for? Where is he going? Where was he admitted?

Applied for English. Admitted to Uchicago (attends), Princeton, Yale, Amherst, and Stanford.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

I’ll say these all depend on what you’re using English for. Almost none of this applies to DS who had and has no interest in creative writing. He started a book club in an underserved area to discuss progressive, minority-centered literature. He went to a classics camp and got a few national awards for Greek/latin translation. He helped run the English honor society. He was on a student government position to help decide the PTSAs book of the month. He underwent a project with a few friends to create an after school program where kids were read to at the local elementary school.

You have to be a bit more creative if your main interest isn’t in writing.

What major did he apply for? Where is he going? Where was he admitted?

Applied for English. Admitted to Uchicago (attends), Princeton, Yale, Amherst, and Stanford.

He turned down Yale, Stanford and Princeton for UChicago?????

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

I’ll say these all depend on what you’re using English for. Almost none of this applies to DS who had and has no interest in creative writing. He started a book club in an underserved area to discuss progressive, minority-centered literature. He went to a classics camp and got a few national awards for Greek/latin translation. He helped run the English honor society. He was on a student government position to help decide the PTSAs book of the month. He underwent a project with a few friends to create an after school program where kids were read to at the local elementary school.

You have to be a bit more creative if your main interest isn’t in writing.

What major did he apply for? Where is he going? Where was he admitted?

Applied for English. Admitted to Uchicago (attends), Princeton, Yale, Amherst, and Stanford.

He turned down Yale, Stanford and Princeton for UChicago?????

Yes, personal choice and couldn't be happier. He didn't like the students, culture, or opportunities at those schools as much as Chicago.

[Anonymous]

Classics is intensive and often people get into top colleges from good high schools with top classical educations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

I’ll say these all depend on what you’re using English for. Almost none of this applies to DS who had and has no interest in creative writing. He started a book club in an underserved area to discuss progressive, minority-centered literature. He went to a classics camp and got a few national awards for Greek/latin translation. He helped run the English honor society. He was on a student government position to help decide the PTSAs book of the month. He underwent a project with a few friends to create an after school program where kids were read to at the local elementary school.

You have to be a bit more creative if your main interest isn’t in writing.

What major did he apply for? Where is he going? Where was he admitted?

Applied for English. Admitted to Uchicago (attends), Princeton, Yale, Amherst, and Stanford.

He turned down Yale, Stanford and Princeton for UChicago?????

Yes, personal choice and couldn't be happier. He didn't like the students, culture, or opportunities at those schools as much as Chicago.

Could you share his stats? I know it’s not all about stats but curious. I have a similar boy finalizing his college list. Currently studying for SATs alongside his creative writing projects

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

I’ll say these all depend on what you’re using English for. Almost none of this applies to DS who had and has no interest in creative writing. He started a book club in an underserved area to discuss progressive, minority-centered literature. He went to a classics camp and got a few national awards for Greek/latin translation. He helped run the English honor society. He was on a student government position to help decide the PTSAs book of the month. He underwent a project with a few friends to create an after school program where kids were read to at the local elementary school.

You have to be a bit more creative if your main interest isn’t in writing.

What major did he apply for? Where is he going? Where was he admitted?

Applied for English. Admitted to Uchicago (attends), Princeton, Yale, Amherst, and Stanford.

He turned down Yale, Stanford and Princeton for UChicago?????

Really only Princeton and Stanford could be argued as “better” and that’s really depending on your specialty, which doesn’t matter for an undergrad. The humanities are amazing at Chicago.

[Anonymous]

there is no bump. give it up fellas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:there is no bump. give it up fellas.

There is a considerable bump for men in general, because they do so poorly in high school. Men in humanities coast through college admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:there is no bump. give it up fellas.

There is a considerable bump for men in general, because they do so poorly in high school. Men in humanities coast through college admissions.

Humanities Men do have an edge in selective college admissions but I wouldn’t say they necessarily “coast”. They still have to get their admissions lottery ticket first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your boy is in History, Philosophy, Classics, they will not be seen any differently. We know a boy who's deeply into masculinity and male politics, and he's getting a degree in Gender studies. He got into Harvard with below average stats, is now racking up fellowships, and is aiming for Kennedy school post-grad. If your boy is interested in Literature, Gender studies, Anthropology, Ethnic studies, they will get a lot of opportunities.

funny I see classics are being a big bump.

Anthro
Classics
English
Those are the majors. But you need a resume and transcript that supports it.

What are the research projects, activities or awards that support an application to a T10 in these areas? If my kid just really loves reading the classics (and has read many of them) and is the top English and history student at his private school, is that enough? Or does he need to have published or won national awards in these areas?

For English/ literature, there’s an expectation for ECs focused on writing/reading:
Newspaper
Literary mag at school
Poetry slam
Tutoring in English
Published writing
Kenyon/Iowa/Bard selective summer writing program

Awards:
Writing contests
Speech & debate
Youth Poet laureate awards (state)
Public library awards
Scholastic writing awards

Great tip. Mine did most of these ecs and got into four top 10s. They were also the top english and history student at their private school.