Help with a rising junior's academic profile

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

https://collegewise.com/blog/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to?hs_amp=true

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

+100000
8-10 is for kids with limited options. not students aiming for ANY top schools.
the person posting earlier is very out of touch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

https://collegewise.com/blog/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to?hs_amp=true

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to

I wouldn't go by these sources if you want top schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

https://collegewise.com/blog/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to?hs_amp=true

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to

I wouldn't go by these sources if you want top schools.

As mentioned earlier in the thread, earned a full merit scholarship to one of the business schools in the OP’s list. My point stands — quality over quantity with apps, 8-10 and 12 at the very max

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

https://collegewise.com/blog/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to?hs_amp=true

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to

I wouldn't go by these sources if you want top schools.

As mentioned earlier in the thread, earned a full merit scholarship to one of the business schools in the OP’s list. My point stands — quality over quantity with apps, 8-10 and 12 at the very max

I agree. Applying to more schools means you're not giving the essays the full attention they deserve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No APs? Even for math?

OP here: No APs offered at our private. Advanced classes are offered, and DD in all advanced math.

OP, what advanced classes are offered in each of the other core areas (english, science, history, foreign language)and how many of them has your D taken?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

https://collegewise.com/blog/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to?hs_amp=true

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to

I wouldn't go by these sources if you want top schools.

As mentioned earlier in the thread, earned a full merit scholarship to one of the business schools in the OP’s list. My point stands — quality over quantity with apps, 8-10 and 12 at the very max

I think this kid from a good private with high stats I think you’d get a better outcome than Indiana.
No offense.

And if you’re a 50 year-old woman, sadly I think your advice is a little outdated?

When was the last time you went through the college admissions process?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

https://collegewise.com/blog/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to?hs_amp=true

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to

I wouldn't go by these sources if you want top schools.

As mentioned earlier in the thread, earned a full merit scholarship to one of the business schools in the OP’s list. My point stands — quality over quantity with apps, 8-10 and 12 at the very max

I think this kid from a good private with high stats I think you’d get a better outcome than Indiana.
No offense.

And if you’re a 50 year-old woman, sadly I think your advice is a little outdated?

When was the last time you went through the college admissions process?

My process was in 2018.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The student here is definitely on the right track.

The school list is too big — pick 2 of the top privates, 2 of the Big Ten business schools, 2 of the Southern schools, and 2 schools that will provide strong aid. Even with the Common App, there shouldn’t be more than 8-10 schools.

Activities are good but I’m not really seeing the depth and leadership.

Also, they can lead off with marketing/entrepreneurship in essays for the business schools and speak to the woman in business angle for the smaller LACs/selective schools, while tying it back to how the school specifically helps them. If they do a selective school, they can major in really anything and go onto business, so that’s a way they can differentiate. Would recommend an actual business school with direct admit if possible to make the career placement, major, networking process easier as it’s all in one roof.

Thanks!
No aid needed. Full pay here. Our private (not in DMV) recommends 12-15 schools.

Thanks for the clarification. A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10. The point I’m trying to make — as a Kelley alum who earned a named merit scholarship and has sat on admissions interview committees for the school — is to limit the number of apps to really focus on the quality. Full pay status isn’t going to do much for many of these schools so it’s about showing depth beyond just numbers.

All kids in my DC class have applied to 16-20 schools. If you are competitive and target the best you would apply to at least 15. 8-10 is old days or unmotivated kids that want to go to mediocre schools close to home.

https://collegewise.com/blog/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to?hs_amp=true

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to

Trust me when I say 15 is minimal. Here is why: admission to top schools is very difficult and also very random. You may get rejected at a good school like UMD and get accepted at Columbia, or Duke. From outside that might look random or a bad admission process but in reality the kid's profile might fit well with what Duke/Columbia look for.
Now, if you add more reaches than you chances to get to at least 1 get higher (statistically speaking). That's why having 2 reaches does not make sense for students shutting high.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A college admissions counselor (like an agency not a school) would suggest 8-10.

Not in 2026.
--college counselor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Private HS.
Girl.
3.95uw, with max math rigor

(no APs).
1480 on 1st try, retaking with tutoring this summer.

Interested in marketing, business, women in business, entrepreneurialism, and social impact activities

ECs:
Started a school club focused on business + social innovation, mostly bringing in speakers and roundtables
3-sport varsity athlete
Comm service youth council board member
Upcycling business
Etsy business with jewelry
French club (officer)
Literary mag writer
Poetry slam club and winner (1x)
Middle school tutor
Summer job (camp counselor)

So far, she wants to major in "marketing" - is that even a real major? We are trying to convince her that business will require a TON more than this type of activity, and to lean more into the English lit types of things, but not interested. Are there other ideas anyone has, or where to look for majors that might speak to her? She did say comparative lit was interesting, including Russian Lit (based on school assignments), but how would one even go about doing any of that?

Are there any last-minute things to apply for (in person or online) for this summer to strengthen the profile?

Interested in Vanderbilt ED, but that seems like a long shot? Wants social fun, sports-heavy campus experience:

Vanderbilt
Duke
UTexas
USC
Michigan
BC
Wake
Maryland
Ohio State
Indiana
Wisconsin
UMiami
Tulane
SMU
Pitt
Elon

Duke, Vanderbilt, USC and Michigan are not happening if the only area of max rigor is the math. Wake and BC will be borderline.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Private HS.
Girl.
3.95uw, with max math rigor

(no APs).
1480 on 1st try, retaking with tutoring this summer.

Interested in marketing, business, women in business, entrepreneurialism, and social impact activities

ECs:
Started a school club focused on business + social innovation, mostly bringing in speakers and roundtables
3-sport varsity athlete
Comm service youth council board member
Upcycling business
Etsy business with jewelry
French club (officer)
Literary mag writer
Poetry slam club and winner (1x)
Middle school tutor
Summer job (camp counselor)

So far, she wants to major in "marketing" - is that even a real major? We are trying to convince her that business will require a TON more than this type of activity, and to lean more into the English lit types of things, but not interested. Are there other ideas anyone has, or where to look for majors that might speak to her? She did say comparative lit was interesting, including Russian Lit (based on school assignments), but how would one even go about doing any of that?

Are there any last-minute things to apply for (in person or online) for this summer to strengthen the profile?

Interested in Vanderbilt ED, but that seems like a long shot? Wants social fun, sports-heavy campus experience:

Vanderbilt
Duke
UTexas
USC
Michigan
BC
Wake
Maryland
Ohio State
Indiana
Wisconsin
UMiami
Tulane
SMU
Pitt
Elon

Duke, Vanderbilt, USC and Michigan are not happening if the only area of max rigor is the math. Wake and BC will be borderline.

Thanks, someone who is bringing it back to the core question here instead of taking shots.

Even UTexas is not happening out of state. Wake would say yes to this profile, BC would waitlist or reject. Tulane and Miami need to be submitted early.

Which brings the big ten schools to the center of the potential admits and they need to go EA for that. SMU, Pitt, Elon should be fine.

This is all as of right now. A lot can happen junior year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Private HS.
Girl.
3.95uw, with max math rigor (no APs).
1480 on 1st try, retaking with tutoring this summer.

Interested in marketing, business, women in business, entrepreneurialism, and social impact activities

ECs:
Started a school club focused on business + social innovation, mostly bringing in speakers and roundtables
3-sport varsity athlete
Comm service youth council board member
Upcycling business
Etsy business with jewelry
French club (officer)
Literary mag writer
Poetry slam club and winner (1x)
Middle school tutor
Summer job (camp counselor)

So far, she wants to major in "marketing" - is that even a real major? We are trying to convince her that business will require a TON more than this type of activity, and to lean more into the English lit types of things, but not interested. Are there other ideas anyone has, or where to look for majors that might speak to her? She did say comparative lit was interesting, including Russian Lit (based on school assignments), but how would one even go about doing any of that?

Are there any last-minute things to apply for (in person or online) for this summer to strengthen the profile?

Interested in Vanderbilt ED, but that seems like a long shot? Wants social fun, sports-heavy campus experience:

Vanderbilt
Duke
UTexas
USC
Michigan
BC
Wake
Maryland
Ohio State
Indiana
Wisconsin
UMiami
Tulane
SMU
Pitt
Elon

This profile fits way more cleanly with undergrad business schools than places like Vanderbilt or Duke.

The activities and overall direction are very pre professional, which is exactly what the state schools with undergraduate business programs want to see.

If you’re aiming for Vandy/Duke, you’d have to reframe the whole thing to be more academic/people-focused. Trying to split the difference is where apps start to feel all over the place.

[Anonymous]

For those debating how many schools to apply to, this thread skews towards the 8-10 (or 12) a previous poster was getting flack about:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/90/1322125.page