Dear Admissions Officers,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I watched a presentation from a tippy top exclusive school admission officer talking about how students' extracurriculars were judged.

She said in particular they valued leadership positions that were hardest to fake and really meant something, that were elected or appointed positions, especially if it came at the end of several years involvement. Varsity team captain, student body president, and Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader of a large troop especially if they could write something meaningful about the experience.

As someone who has had to move a kid halfway through high school, this is a sore spot for me. And one I would add to this thread:

Moving in high school should be considered the disadvantage that it is. You don’t get leadership positions and awards when you’re the new kid. Not to mention the adjustment to a whole new environment and culture that might come with it. But it’s not one of the disadvantages that gets any compassion.

I went to three high schools, and I wrote about having to move around as a Navy brat in my essay. It didn't hurt that I was on varsity, but not a captain for sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask if a test prep class was taken. I’d really like that industry to be shut down

I don't have an opinion on the shut down, but yes, have a question where the student signs and attests to:

I used a paid test prep/essay prep/paid consultant and/or class during the last 24 months.
A simple Yes or No.

A misrepresentation could result in pulling offer of admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top college adcoms pick whoever they want for whatever reason they want and they seem extraordinarily successful in building the class they want and executing the mission of their organizations.

So why should it change?

One reason could be the increase of anxiety, depression, and suicide in teens who are trying to do all and be all to compete. Another could be that they shouldn’t be rewarding people who lie and cheat. Another might be that there’s always room for improvement.

Explain what could change that would affect any of the things you mention, and how it would change them?

Transparency in what they actually want.

Even if they were transparent competitive parents and kids would just do whatever it takes to meet the requirements. Still have stressed kids or people using privilege to get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top college adcoms pick whoever they want for whatever reason they want and they seem extraordinarily successful in building the class they want and executing the mission of their organizations.

So why should it change?

One reason could be the increase of anxiety, depression, and suicide in teens who are trying to do all and be all to compete. Another could be that they shouldn’t be rewarding people who lie and cheat. Another might be that there’s always room for improvement.

Explain what could change that would affect any of the things you mention, and how it would change them?

Transparency in what they actually want.

Even if they were transparent competitive parents and kids would just do whatever it takes to meet the requirements. Still have stressed kids or people using privilege to get there.

You’re right. That’s basically what’s been happening with AP numbers. People are trying to “one up” the next kid. The colleges don’t pick who applies, but they take the best of what they get, so the strivers get rewarded. Lather, rinse, repeat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask if a test prep class was taken. I’d really like that industry to be shut down

I don't have an opinion on the shut down, but yes, have a question where the student signs and attests to:

I used a paid test prep/essay prep/paid consultant and/or class during the last 24 months.
A simple Yes or No.

A misrepresentation could result in pulling offer of admissions.

This is dumb. Does that include if a kid bought a prep book? What about if they used an online service, or recorded sessions? Or if someone else paid (like the school?). Or software? Or if they have a cousin who does test prep and didn't pay them?

If test scores are unreliable to a college then they won't bother with the test at all, as some have chosen. But it is not a problem for mopst of them now. Don't pretend it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Top college adcoms pick whoever they want for whatever reason they want and they seem extraordinarily successful in building the class they want and executing the mission of their organizations.

So why should it change?

One reason could be the increase of anxiety, depression, and suicide in teens who are trying to do all and be all to compete. Another could be that they shouldn’t be rewarding people who lie and cheat. Another might be that there’s always room for improvement.

Explain what could change that would affect any of the things you mention, and how it would change them?

Transparency in what they actually want.

Even if they were transparent competitive parents and kids would just do whatever it takes to meet the requirements. Still have stressed kids or people using privilege to get there.

They ARE transparent in what they want, as well as they know prior to each cycle. "Full transparency" is a nonsensical concept, since you can't be transparent about something so varied and changing. Will they have to list the qualifications needed for each of the thousands of kids they accept? (2 Oboes in '23, but none in '24!) It's silly.

Do you demand "full transparency" from businesses when they are hiring? No, they just hire whom they like, and sometimes they don't know till they meet them (and that also goes for hires at charities, churches, country clubs and other "tax exempt" organizations like colleges). Just don't break the law. Same as colleges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I watched a presentation from a tippy top exclusive school admission officer talking about how students' extracurriculars were judged.

She said in particular they valued leadership positions that were hardest to fake and really meant something, that were elected or appointed positions, especially if it came at the end of several years involvement. Varsity team captain, student body president, and Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader of a large troop especially if they could write something meaningful about the experience.

As someone who has had to move a kid halfway through high school, this is a sore spot for me. And one I would add to this thread:

Moving in high school should be considered the disadvantage that it is. You don’t get leadership positions and awards when you’re the new kid. Not to mention the adjustment to a whole new environment and culture that might come with it. But it’s not one of the disadvantages that gets any compassion.

I went to three high schools, and I wrote about having to move around as a Navy brat in my essay. It didn't hurt that I was on varsity, but not a captain for sports.

Did you move from one DoDEA school to another? Or from a small southern school to Woodson? Two totally different things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask if a test prep class was taken. I’d really like that industry to be shut down

I don't have an opinion on the shut down, but yes, have a question where the student signs and attests to:

I used a paid test prep/essay prep/paid consultant and/or class during the last 24 months.
A simple Yes or No.

A misrepresentation could result in pulling offer of admissions.

Lots of kids use Khan Academy and get a quality prep experience for free.
Would prep classes and essay help be considered “paid” if they are offered for no extra charge to all students at a private school? How about those who attend on a scholarship?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I watched a presentation from a tippy top exclusive school admission officer talking about how students' extracurriculars were judged.

She said in particular they valued leadership positions that were hardest to fake and really meant something, that were elected or appointed positions, especially if it came at the end of several years involvement. Varsity team captain, student body president, and Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader of a large troop especially if they could write something meaningful about the experience.

As someone who has had to move a kid halfway through high school, this is a sore spot for me. And one I would add to this thread:

Moving in high school should be considered the disadvantage that it is. You don’t get leadership positions and awards when you’re the new kid. Not to mention the adjustment to a whole new environment and culture that might come with it. But it’s not one of the disadvantages that gets any compassion.

I went to three high schools, and I wrote about having to move around as a Navy brat in my essay. It didn't hurt that I was on varsity, but not a captain for sports.

Did you move from one DoDEA school to another? Or from a small southern school to Woodson? Two totally different things.

One Moco public sandwiched between a small southern private and a larger southern public

[Anonymous]

Verify the race/ethnicity of the applicant. That should not be hard if the high school can provide that on the transcript. Would make it harder to lie

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Verify the race/ethnicity of the applicant. That should not be hard if the high school can provide that on the transcript. Would make it harder to lie

I bet parents will protest schools disclosing that info, especially those who fear they are already discriminated against in college admissions at some schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I watched a presentation from a tippy top exclusive school admission officer talking about how students' extracurriculars were judged.

She said in particular they valued leadership positions that were hardest to fake and really meant something, that were elected or appointed positions, especially if it came at the end of several years involvement. Varsity team captain, student body president, and Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader of a large troop especially if they could write something meaningful about the experience.

As someone who has had to move a kid halfway through high school, this is a sore spot for me. And one I would add to this thread:

Moving in high school should be considered the disadvantage that it is. You don’t get leadership positions and awards when you’re the new kid. Not to mention the adjustment to a whole new environment and culture that might come with it. But it’s not one of the disadvantages that gets any compassion.

I went to three high schools, and I wrote about having to move around as a Navy brat in my essay. It didn't hurt that I was on varsity, but not a captain for sports.

Did you move from one DoDEA school to another? Or from a small southern school to Woodson? Two totally different things.

One Moco public sandwiched between a small southern private and a larger southern public

In 1989 or 2019? Also a big difference.

I’m happy for you that you don’t feel it was a problem but for a lot of kids it is. It can be a real struggle and colleges that weigh leadership are penalizing them for something out of their control. Different curricula and school quality can make for hard transitions too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Verify the race/ethnicity of the applicant. That should not be hard if the high school can provide that on the transcript. Would make it harder to lie

I bet parents will protest schools disclosing that info, especially those who fear they are already discriminated against in college admissions at some schools.

If they’re just verifying accuracy, they’re not disclosing any new information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Verify the race/ethnicity of the applicant. That should not be hard if the high school can provide that on the transcript. Would make it harder to lie

I bet parents will protest schools disclosing that info, especially those who fear they are already discriminated against in college admissions at some schools.

If they’re just verifying accuracy, they’re not disclosing any new information.

The schools have to define it in order to verify it. They are far too squeamish to actually define race

[Anonymous]

I’d just settle for randomly checking the truth of resumes like a random audit. There’s just too much incentive and reward for lying. Not the whole resume, not every applicant. Like a random drug test. Just enough to discourage the liars.