Parents of Ivy admits — what were their ECs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So tired of all the advice that kids have to be pointy. My kid rising sophomore is a regular kid with interests in sports, sneakers, and girls.

Somehow in the next two years, he’s supposed to develop deep intellectual interests, do innovative research, or somehow be the best in his field at something.

Is this real, or do normal kids have a chance at Ivy admissions? Parents of Ivy admits, can you share what your kids ECs were?

normal, regular kids dont get into schools that accept 3 or 4 out of every 100 talented, high stats applicants.

luckily for you - there are a thousand other colleges that are also terrific!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So tired of all the advice that kids have to be pointy. My kid rising sophomore is a regular kid with interests in sports, sneakers, and girls.

Somehow in the next two years, he’s supposed to develop deep intellectual interests, do innovative research, or somehow be the best in his field at something.

Is this real, or do normal kids have a chance at Ivy admissions? Parents of Ivy admits, can you share what your kids ECs were?

normal, regular kids dont get into schools that accept 3 or 4 out of every 100 talented, high stats applicants.

luckily for you - there are a thousand other colleges that are also terrific!

This is the answer, regular kids don’t get in and most exceptional don’t either. Luckily none of that has any bearing on future success or happiness and fulfillment in life. I have a kid going to Ivy next year and a very average sibling following soon. The youngest reminds me of a family member that struggled so much in school but is such a people person and has thrived in the workforce and now owns a very successful company. There are many paths, it’ll all be okay, telling myself too.

[Anonymous]

DD got into one of HYP (WL at the other 2) from a competitive public as an overrepresented minority (asian female).

No legacy or recruited athlete hooks, but she was regional/occasional national level at her individual sport, which she has been doing since she was 5 (think something like rock climbing/dance/gymnastics) -- that was probably the strongest hook. Otherwise, she had a 4.0 UW GPA/perfect SATs with the most challenging classes possible. Shy/introverted, very hard worker, was also rejected at many schools including her first choice. It does seem extremely random.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD got into one of HYP (WL at the other 2) from a competitive public as an overrepresented minority (asian female).

No legacy or recruited athlete hooks, but she was regional/occasional national level at her individual sport, which she has been doing since she was 5 (think something like rock climbing/dance/gymnastics) -- that was probably the strongest hook. Otherwise, she had a 4.0 UW GPA/perfect SATs with the most challenging classes possible. Shy/introverted, very hard worker, was also rejected at many schools including her first choice. It does seem extremely random.

Are you willing to name the first choice school that rejected your daughter ? Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

I have a reason for asking which school rejected your outstanding daughter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD got into one of HYP (WL at the other 2) from a competitive public as an overrepresented minority (asian female).

No legacy or recruited athlete hooks, but she was regional/occasional national level at her individual sport, which she has been doing since she was 5 (think something like rock climbing/dance/gymnastics) -- that was probably the strongest hook. Otherwise, she had a 4.0 UW GPA/perfect SATs with the most challenging classes possible. Shy/introverted, very hard worker, was also rejected at many schools including her first choice. It does seem extremely random.

How did she talk about her sport in app?

[Anonymous]

her national-level sport? what do you think?

[Anonymous]

My Ivy kid did a regular amount of clubs, but one club that had some national recognition. He also authored an academic paper and presented at a conference, and designed a mobile app for kids.

On the 1-5 scale that schools rate activities, I imagine he was a 2 or a 3 for ECs. Academically, he was probably a 1 or a high 2, which is probably what got him the offer, with top marks in school, tests and APs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So tired of all the advice that kids have to be pointy. My kid rising sophomore is a regular kid with interests in sports, sneakers, and girls.

Somehow in the next two years, he’s supposed to develop deep intellectual interests, do innovative research, or somehow be the best in his field at something.

Is this real, or do normal kids have a chance at Ivy admissions? Parents of Ivy admits, can you share what your kids ECs were?

I have a regular, highly intelligent kid. Regular sports - varsity but not state champ or anywhere close to it. LOL
He volunteered yearly for a seasonal program - about 3 hrs/week for 8 weeks and some other community volunteer stuff when needed. Nothing outrageous.
No research experience so that takes him out of finding the cure for cancer. But he was home every night for dinner. and had at least 8 hours of sleep every night. His high school life was not hectic.
What can't be denied, and probably shone through his essays, is that he is an interesting kid. Beyond his intelligence, he is funny and someone people like to get to know.
So my suggestion for the next two years for your kid is to leave him be... so he can develop a personality... be himself. Come essay time, show that kid. It that is what gets him into an Ivy or *insert elite school here*, then so be it. If not, then it probably would not have been a good fit anyway.

[Anonymous]

PP here... and in the end, he did not end up choosing the Ivy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD got into one of HYP (WL at the other 2) from a competitive public as an overrepresented minority (asian female).

No legacy or recruited athlete hooks, but she was regional/occasional national level at her individual sport, which she has been doing since she was 5 (think something like rock climbing/dance/gymnastics) -- that was probably the strongest hook. Otherwise, she had a 4.0 UW GPA/perfect SATs with the most challenging classes possible. Shy/introverted, very hard worker, was also rejected at many schools including her first choice. It does seem extremely random.

How did she talk about her sport in app?

Aside from describing the activity and time commitment, and achievements where asked:
+ She wrote an essay about experiencing a significant setback/difficult period with the sport and how she handled it (not fully overcome -- she's still dealing with this so it was a very honest reflection that didn't end up neatly tied with a triumphant bow).
+ For some schools that permitted submission of a multimedia portfolio, she put together a highlight reel of her competition performances in this sport.
+ Her coach of 10+ years submitted what I'm sure was a strong rec especially focusing on her perseverance, character, and passion for helping younger athletes in the sport, but I didn't read it personally.
+ She also had some short answers and leadership related to coaching a camp in this sport for younger kids or doing data science projects related to judging and stats for the sport, which she truly became somewhat of a nerd/expert in.

I think what came across is that it is a true passion, not just something she did to pad the EC resume. In fact we as parents had to have many tough conversations with her over the years because she wanted to lean into this sport even more through homeschooling and pushing through injuries, and we weren't always fully supportive.

[Anonymous]

There are consultants who charge $30k to $50k per year right from 8th grade. They package the student nicely - interest in swimming? Not enough just to be a good swimmer and be a lifeguard. Start a non-profit to teach immigrants to swim or help cancer patients backstroke. This is how you show your passion, leadership, etc. AO's lap it up based on the references and data he showed us.

A friend introduced us to one such consultant. We did not sign up, but opened our eyes to what can be done if parent is interested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are consultants who charge $30k to $50k per year right from 8th grade. They package the student nicely - interest in swimming? Not enough just to be a good swimmer and be a lifeguard. Start a non-profit to teach immigrants to swim or help cancer patients backstroke. This is how you show your passion, leadership, etc. AO's lap it up based on the references and data he showed us.

A friend introduced us to one such consultant. We did not sign up, but opened our eyes to what can be done if parent is interested.

I paid $0. My kid maintained straight As in rigor, scored a high ACT, and did things he loved. Is headed to one of the 3 Ivies he was accepted to next year. Glad we didn’t waste money and glad he didn’t have to be a phony or learn to lie to fool admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So tired of all the advice that kids have to be pointy. My kid rising sophomore is a regular kid with interests in sports, sneakers, and girls.

Somehow in the next two years, he’s supposed to develop deep intellectual interests, do innovative research, or somehow be the best in his field at something.

Is this real, or do normal kids have a chance at Ivy admissions? Parents of Ivy admits, can you share what your kids ECs were?

I have a regular, highly intelligent kid. Regular sports - varsity but not state champ or anywhere close to it. LOL
He volunteered yearly for a seasonal program - about 3 hrs/week for 8 weeks and some other community volunteer stuff when needed. Nothing outrageous.
No research experience so that takes him out of finding the cure for cancer. But he was home every night for dinner. and had at least 8 hours of sleep every night. His high school life was not hectic.
What can't be denied, and probably shone through his essays, is that he is an interesting kid. Beyond his intelligence, he is funny and someone people like to get to know.
So my suggestion for the next two years for your kid is to leave him be... so he can develop a personality... be himself. Come essay time, show that kid. It that is what gets him into an Ivy or *insert elite school here*, then so be it. If not, then it probably would not have been a good fit anyway.

Agree^^ it worked out for my kid in a similar fashion.

[Anonymous]

These kids who you all know who are humble and unassuming sure weren't at my top Ivy. So many insufferable people. I don't miss them. And not everyone ended up so successful. Just saying.