How Much Do a Kid's Looks Factor Into Admissions Decisions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't how much so but yes I believe they factor in.

After every playdate, every teacher raved "oh my she is just sooo cute! Oh she is just adorable! Oh look at that cute smile ... and dimples even!!" I mean that's really all they talked about was how "cute" they thought she was as if she was a baby or a puppy or something. I know they say nice things to all the parents who bring their kids but I am willing to bet the find other more substansive things to comment on.

She was admitted to several schools ...and I am pretty sure it was on being "cute" alone that got her in.

Same experience here. I even got comments that included, "She's such a gorgeous little girl."

I'm not kidding. Anyhow, she got into 5 out of 5. I swear, every one commented on her cuteness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools ask you to attach a photo on the application. Why?

I have seen this for a college app. They also asked you to tell them why you were a good person. It was a shitty school with a beautiful campus BTW.

that rules out yale

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do believe "attractiveness" matters, but it's not just looks. Some kids are just more "charming" at first impression than others (physically cute, but also outgoing, funny, sunny disposition). I think they try for a "mix" of personalities, but, as someone said, AD's are human and they're going to remember (in a good way) the kids that make a "fun" first impression.

That's my DD. She can get on my last nerve, but she makes a fabulous first impression on folks and she doesn't disappoint (still can get on my nerves!).

[Anonymous]

From what I have seen - yes- it matters at certain schools - and usually the whole family is attractive, athletic and dresses well.........

[Anonymous]

I agree that some kids interact better with adults than others. In part this comes from interactions with their own parents.

But it's also a process of constant reinforcement when they deal with strangers - which is probably related somewhat to the kids' looks, given how shallow society is.

[Anonymous]

"But it's also a process of constant reinforcement when they deal with strangers - which is probably related somewhat to the kids' looks, given how shallow society is."

Agree with this. My dc was one of those kids that is cute with an outgoing personality, and there does seem to be a "feedback" mechanism. He's funny and cute, people have fussed over him his whole life, so it's reinforced. He's the most optimistic person I've ever met. On the other hand, he's having a hard time learning to cope when things don't always go his way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From what I have seen - yes- it matters at certain schools - and usually the whole family is attractive, athletic and dresses well.........

Unfortunately, I am the only attractive person in my family. I guess I'll have to own the parent interview portion of the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From what I have seen - yes- it matters at certain schools - and usually the whole family is attractive, athletic and dresses well.........

At our Big 3, most of the families do seem athletic. What's the big deal about being athletic?

[Anonymous]

By "athletic," I presume you mean "thin, active, healthy-looking"? Of course working out is a good idea for health reasons. But I'm trying to figure out if there is a subtext to your post about how these families actually look.

[Anonymous]

Unless a guy tells me he runs a 7.5 minute mile, or a woman divulges tennis ranking with me, I would have no idea if they're truly "athletic."

And wearing Patagonia and Mountain Hardware head to toe isn't actually a good way to gauge who is truly "athletic" and who is fronting. I've seen this time and again during school camping trips and family sporty-type activities -- Lululemon doesn't make mom good at sports, it turns out.

So I want to know too: how do you know a "family" is "athletic"?

[Anonymous]

Let's see - obviously fit physiques, kids tan (not pasty), mom that looks hot in tennis skirts, preferred destinations include ski vacations or golf foursomes, kids all play lacrosse or other team sport and are always off to games - but most of all - just LOOK at them - it's pretty obvious by looking at the kids alone who is coordinated and who is not. Patagonia Fleece and Keems can't hide a big gut or dumpy figure.

[Anonymous]

At a certain age--say under 4--most kids are just cute, but some smile more.

As for families, I'd say it doesn't hurt to be 1) thin (obese parents are probably at a disadvantage due to various cultural norms); 2) clean--doesn't matter if you look hippy dippy or preppy, but clean and not smelly matter; 3) happy looking, because if you look stressed out you make bad company.

[Anonymous]

Well-groomed is good. So get a good haircut before the interview.

Try to look as though the other well-connected parents would want to get to know you, and vice versa, so that you'll fit in with the school's big happy family.

[Anonymous]

I have always treated the school interview as I would a job interview, following the job-hunting advice to dress for the job you want. At some of these traditional schools, that means no ankle bracelets and toe rings until DC is admitted.

[Anonymous]

Oh come on, you can tell if the parents are athletic. Its in their physique, the way they carry themselves. You don't have to run 7 minute miles to be athletic.