Anyone’s kid apply to more than 20 schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Think this is spot on.

Also demonstrates that there aren't many exceptional applicants out there at the T25 level if everyone has the same "high stats" and are relatively indistinguishable from the applicant pool.

Most really belong T51+

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is a simple (non-original, I think) idea: One single application. Students rank schools based on their preferences. Schools rank students based on their own reading of the files. A matching algorithm does the match. Done.

This is not your “idea”. This is the longstanding way by which medical school graduates are matched. You probably know that because your ranking idea is identical to that longstanding idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1550 / 3.9 GPA - rejected in ED round.

Total ~30 Colleges

10 focused with will written essays
10 mix of safety & target where essays are not required, such as Middleburry, Colby etc
10 additional target/ reach where the essays are being recycled

Avoiding colleges that don't favor test scores.

You and your son consider Middlebury and Colby to be a target/safety? I’m assuming these 30 apps are mainly for RD? No wonder he needs to apply to 30 schools!

Not OP, but Middlebury and Colby are definitely safeties for this student.
Middlebury has acceptance rate of nearly 50% in ED!!!!! It looks like if you just meet some basic standards and are willling to pay 90000 for remote VT you are in

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1550 / 3.9 GPA - rejected in ED round.

Total ~30 Colleges

10 focused with will written essays
10 mix of safety & target where essays are not required, such as Middleburry, Colby etc
10 additional target/ reach where the essays are being recycled

Avoiding colleges that don't favor test scores.

You and your son consider Middlebury and Colby to be a target/safety? I’m assuming these 30 apps are mainly for RD? No wonder he needs to apply to 30 schools!

Not OP, but Middlebury and Colby are definitely safeties for this student.
Middlebury has acceptance rate of nearly 50% in ED!!!!! It looks like if you just meet some basic standards and are willling to pay 90000 for remote VT you are in

He’s not applying ED

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone gets knocked down a tier. When UW 4.0/35+ACTgreat ACTs are getting denied and deferred EA/ED they start applying to more schools T30-65.

Now kids that normally would get in those schools are getting knocked down a tier and so and so on.

You can’t blame the high stats kids for getting shut out of top schools and reaching down. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

If you curate a good list of reaches, targets and true safeties/likelies, then you do not need to apply to 20+ schools. Just because you have high stats does not mean you should apply to 7-10 T25 schools. Search to find the 3-5 that are an excellent fit, then find 3-5 targets and another 3-5 safeties. That's 9-15 schools at most. Then show demonstrated interest at all of them, but especially your targets and safeties. If you do it correctly, you should get into at least 50% of your targets and 75-100% of your safeties.

My own 1500/3.99UW/9APs/Good EC but not stupendous had it go this way:

ED1 T10, deferred and ultimately rejected (acceptance rate less than 7%)
T30--WL (single digit acceptance rates)
3 T30-50 Accepted
1 T60 Accepted, but go abroad for first year (single digit acceptance rates)
1 T70 Accepted with excellent merit (30% of total costs/year)---Top Safety
Accepted at the other 3 safeties as well

So as my kid says, they were only rejected from 1 school outright.
They are at one of the T30-50 schools, of course the one without any merit, but the one I knew was probably the best fit for my kid from the moment they set foot on campus. Each visit they just lit up and you could see the excitement. So this was actually a better place then their 3 reaches.

Sorry to say, but with those stats to be shut out so broadly from T1-T30 sounds like the school is known for grade inflation. A 3.9 out of a Sitwell or Saint Albans would be a totally different picture.
Glad your DC is happy at their T30-T50! Seems like a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1550 / 3.9 GPA - rejected in ED round.

Total ~30 Colleges

10 focused with will written essays
10 mix of safety & target where essays are not required, such as Middleburry, Colby etc
10 additional target/ reach where the essays are being recycled

Avoiding colleges that don't favor test scores.

You and your son consider Middlebury and Colby to be a target/safety? I’m assuming these 30 apps are mainly for RD? No wonder he needs to apply to 30 schools!

Not OP, but Middlebury and Colby are definitely safeties for this student.
Middlebury has acceptance rate of nearly 50% in ED!!!!! It looks like if you just meet some basic standards and are willling to pay 90000 for remote VT you are in

He’s not applying ED

Middlebury is notorious for filling most seats in ED (they have ED1, ED2). That’s why the stats look so bad for RD.

However, I bet the yield is also pretty low in RD.

Colby has similar problem. They have just (yesterday) extended their application deadline, which suggests inadequate applications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Some of us disagree with this. I've had 2 top stats unhooked kids, and, while we can't always know institutional priorities, it's not that random. So much of it is how the candidate connects with the AO through writing and overall narrative.

Every institution needs variety of kids. They might have priorities but at the end of the day they need all kinds.
That’s why it’s random.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1550 / 3.9 GPA - rejected in ED round.

Total ~30 Colleges

10 focused with will written essays
10 mix of safety & target where essays are not required, such as Middleburry, Colby etc
10 additional target/ reach where the essays are being recycled

Avoiding colleges that don't favor test scores.

You and your son consider Middlebury and Colby to be a target/safety? I’m assuming these 30 apps are mainly for RD? No wonder he needs to apply to 30 schools!

Not OP, but Middlebury and Colby are definitely safeties for this student.
Middlebury has acceptance rate of nearly 50% in ED!!!!! It looks like if you just meet some basic standards and are willling to pay 90000 for remote VT you are in

He’s not applying ED

Middlebury is notorious for filling most seats in ED (they have ED1, ED2). That’s why the stats look so bad for RD.

However, I bet the yield is also pretty low in RD.

Colby has similar problem. They have just (yesterday) extended their application deadline, which suggests inadequate applications.

What!!!? Are they targeting acceptance rate below 5%?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1550 / 3.9 GPA - rejected in ED round.

Total ~30 Colleges

10 focused with will written essays
10 mix of safety & target where essays are not required, such as Middleburry, Colby etc
10 additional target/ reach where the essays are being recycled

Avoiding colleges that don't favor test scores.

You and your son consider Middlebury and Colby to be a target/safety? I’m assuming these 30 apps are mainly for RD? No wonder he needs to apply to 30 schools!

Not OP, but Middlebury and Colby are definitely safeties for this student.
Middlebury has acceptance rate of nearly 50% in ED!!!!! It looks like if you just meet some basic standards and are willling to pay 90000 for remote VT you are in

He’s not applying ED

Middlebury is notorious for filling most seats in ED (they have ED1, ED2). That’s why the stats look so bad for RD.

However, I bet the yield is also pretty low in RD.

Colby has similar problem. They have just (yesterday) extended their application deadline, which suggests inadequate applications.

What!!!? Are they targeting acceptance rate below 5%?

Actually no. When they admit the 3 kids who end up applying RD, it will be a 100% admit rate. You just don’t get it!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Key issues is "Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in."

They need to rethink "where they feel they deserve to be in"

At the core that is the issue. So many with "top stats" feel they must attend a T25-30 school. Once you get over that mindset, you can run a much better process. Why would you randomly apply to T25 schools just because "you deserve to be there"? Why not search and find places you actually want to be? You are approaching the process incorrectly, IMO. Putting prestige (based loosely on an antiquated rankings system) at the top rather than actually searching quality for your kid---where will they fit in, where will they be happy, because that is where they will excel the most. There is no way more than 3-4 schools in the T20 are all "the perfect/best school" for any single kid. Each university is so different.

Why do you think they want anything less than they deserve?
They skipped two math levels and finishing high school with Multi-variables.
They took 8+ APs and got 5s from most.
They put years and years of hard work in their ECs.
They are ambitious and competitive.
They researched and they actually want to be at top 25!
Prestige is what ambitious kids want!
Not applying many reach schools is just giving up after all the hard work.
For what? So you won’t get disappointed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Think this is spot on.

Also demonstrates that there aren't many exceptional applicants out there at the T25 level if everyone has the same "high stats" and are relatively indistinguishable from the applicant pool.

Most really belong T51+

Couldn't disagree more. They can make their applications stand out by working to specifically connect with each college. Perhaps they are too lazy or entitled or ignorant? Whatever the reason, fate ir luck is not tte ultimate arbiter. Applying to so many just dilutes their ability to appeal to any.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Key issues is "Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in."

They need to rethink "where they feel they deserve to be in"

At the core that is the issue. So many with "top stats" feel they must attend a T25-30 school. Once you get over that mindset, you can run a much better process. Why would you randomly apply to T25 schools just because "you deserve to be there"? Why not search and find places you actually want to be? You are approaching the process incorrectly, IMO. Putting prestige (based loosely on an antiquated rankings system) at the top rather than actually searching quality for your kid---where will they fit in, where will they be happy, because that is where they will excel the most. There is no way more than 3-4 schools in the T20 are all "the perfect/best school" for any single kid. Each university is so different.

Why do you think they want anything less than they deserve?
They skipped two math levels and finishing high school with Multi-variables.
They took 8+ APs and got 5s from most.
They put years and years of hard work in their ECs.
They are ambitious and competitive.
They researched and they actually want to be at top 25!
Prestige is what ambitious kids want!
Not applying many reach schools is just giving up after all the hard work.
For what? So you won’t get disappointed?

Totally agree with this. One other thing that everyone must internalize is that top kids out of every school do not know how they compare to the top kids out of other schools. You might look like a total hero in your school ready to go to an Ivy, but the kids from other schools may have even better Extracurriculars and more rigor than you. There’s also geographical diversity that colleges want. Even if the 10 best kids they want it all came from Dc the will take only two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Key issues is "Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in."

They need to rethink "where they feel they deserve to be in"

At the core that is the issue. So many with "top stats" feel they must attend a T25-30 school. Once you get over that mindset, you can run a much better process. Why would you randomly apply to T25 schools just because "you deserve to be there"? Why not search and find places you actually want to be? You are approaching the process incorrectly, IMO. Putting prestige (based loosely on an antiquated rankings system) at the top rather than actually searching quality for your kid---where will they fit in, where will they be happy, because that is where they will excel the most. There is no way more than 3-4 schools in the T20 are all "the perfect/best school" for any single kid. Each university is so different.

Why do you think they want anything less than they deserve?
They skipped two math levels and finishing high school with Multi-variables.
They took 8+ APs and got 5s from most.
They put years and years of hard work in their ECs.
They are ambitious and competitive.
They researched and they actually want to be at top 25!
Prestige is what ambitious kids want!
Not applying many reach schools is just giving up after all the hard work.
For what? So you won’t get disappointed?

And when they get shut out from T25, then what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Think this is spot on.

Also demonstrates that there aren't many exceptional applicants out there at the T25 level if everyone has the same "high stats" and are relatively indistinguishable from the applicant pool.

Most really belong T51+

Couldn't disagree more. They can make their applications stand out by working to specifically connect with each college. Perhaps they are too lazy or entitled or ignorant? Whatever the reason, fate ir luck is not tte ultimate arbiter. Applying to so many just dilutes their ability to appeal to any.

Wrong. YOU are lazy.
I saw so many kids write college specific good essays so that they can stand out.
It’s hard, but they do it.
And they get into top colleges in RD.
I see this year after year.
Don’t give up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May I summarize what is happening here?

Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in.

Top stat kids (top 10% of any high schools)are more or less applying the same list of schools- top50 U and top 30 LAC. And schools in the big cities (Boston, NYC, LA)and nice towns get very popular.

Their application more or less all look similar.
It’s literally about who gets to read it and find it intriguing. Basically random luck. Fit might be important but it’s actually a luxury in this climate.

Yes, you need a handful of targets and safeties. But apply as many reach as you can and choose from where you get in. Then you can talk about the fit amongst where you got in.

Again, I’m talking about top stat kid who didn’t make it to ED or EA at desired schools.

Key issues is "Top stat kids are in a position where they need to apply 20+ colleges in order to get in anywhere they feel they deserved to be in."

They need to rethink "where they feel they deserve to be in"

At the core that is the issue. So many with "top stats" feel they must attend a T25-30 school. Once you get over that mindset, you can run a much better process. Why would you randomly apply to T25 schools just because "you deserve to be there"? Why not search and find places you actually want to be? You are approaching the process incorrectly, IMO. Putting prestige (based loosely on an antiquated rankings system) at the top rather than actually searching quality for your kid---where will they fit in, where will they be happy, because that is where they will excel the most. There is no way more than 3-4 schools in the T20 are all "the perfect/best school" for any single kid. Each university is so different.

Why do you think they want anything less than they deserve?
They skipped two math levels and finishing high school with Multi-variables.
They took 8+ APs and got 5s from most.
They put years and years of hard work in their ECs.
They are ambitious and competitive.
They researched and they actually want to be at top 25!
Prestige is what ambitious kids want!
Not applying many reach schools is just giving up after all the hard work.
For what? So you won’t get disappointed?

This is the downfall for many entitled kids and parents.