Parents of Ivy admits — what were their ECs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Plenty of insufferable strivers at my Alma mater, UVA, too. Lol You find your people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Same, waste of money. If they are meant to be at an ivy it will happen without the BS AND they will be ready to be well above average there due to not having played games or parent or athletics getting them in

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

It likely has changed a lot: more than half on need based aid now. It was more like 1/4 30 yrs ago, rest full pay

[Anonymous]

3 for 3 on ivies. Speech and Debate and started non-profit. Was very honest on non-profit's numbers e.g. raised $5,000 not like $50,000.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

It likely has changed a lot: more than half on need based aid now. It was more like 1/4 30 yrs ago, rest full pay

Eh, not really. My friend’s child is headed to Yale next year. At the admitted student event, the kid said nearly everyone who he heard, spoke like a puffed up peacock.

What is the highest math level you have completed?

Won any national awards?

Hey, did I see you at the x-competition?

Kid felt inferior and caused imposter syndrome feelings. Said he felt very judged and insecure.

Wonder where all these humble kids were that day?

The kid we know at Cornell and the one at Stanford are down to earth. The one at Harvard is not.

[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 wouldn’t worry about what Ivy admits are doing. Your regular kid will have a lot of options and will find what’s best suited for him. If he doesn’t develop deep intellectual interests or excel in anything specific that’s ok. He’ll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was the commenter that said you couldn’t possibly know. Mine was admitted to 3 unhooked. I won’t list all, but NREMT, lead instructor and coach for an activity that won an international prize, president of SGA and 2 other school clubs amongst other small things. What people wouldn’t see is that all of the activities are linked by a strong desire to help others above herself, and recommendations while say “change the class” “selfless and humble” and “goes the extra mile at every turn” type statements.

If I were to guess even though I don’t discuss with anyone in real life, they would likely say yes super smart and an EMT, think they do this activity (intl award) with no context to the involvement, depth or motivation behind it which makes it the unique part over the actual activity itself.

Sounds like an amazing kid, PP. Congratulations!

The challenge for boys is that they mature later than girls. The girls I hear about generally more focused, and they are nicer, more socially conscious human beings, more focused on helping others. My DS is young for his age. Academically gifted, but no signs of any driving passions as yet. Here's hoping he matures in time.

Seems like colleges demand maturity and focus at an unrealistic level and that's why many parents end up paying for packaging.

Not all boys mature later. There are many boys that are focused and definitely social conscious humans who are focused on helping others. These boys are the ones who stand out. Top colleges might demand focus and maturity because they can afford to only take those who are up to their standards. There are plenty of colleges that don’t demand this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sounds like gymnastics based on your story. Coaching younger kids in the sport is not unusual. Wanting to go full time is common for the driven gymnasts. I’ll bet she got in on her perfect tests and grades, she was academically perfect. What more could the school want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

It likely has changed a lot: more than half on need based aid now. It was more like 1/4 30 yrs ago, rest full pay

Eh, not really. My friend’s child is headed to Yale next year. At the admitted student event, the kid said nearly everyone who he heard, spoke like a puffed up peacock.

What is the highest math level you have completed?

Won any national awards?

Hey, did I see you at the x-competition?

Kid felt inferior and caused imposter syndrome feelings. Said he felt very judged and insecure.

Wonder where all these humble kids were that day?

The kid we know at Cornell and the one at Stanford are down to earth. The one at Harvard is not.

I mean, you’re going to find insecure 18-year-olds everywhere ESPECIALLY at admitted student events at top schools. I will say though that my unhooked, public school kid went to Yale feeling really nervous about whether or not she would fit in and she has met so many cool people. I have met lots of her friends at this point and we have hosted kids at our house and I’ve been delightfully surprised by how nice and interesting they have been. I don’t doubt there are jerks wandering around Yale and most college campuses but my DD’s experience three years in is that’s not the culture of the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

It likely has changed a lot: more than half on need based aid now. It was more like 1/4 30 yrs ago, rest full pay

Eh, not really. My friend’s child is headed to Yale next year. At the admitted student event, the kid said nearly everyone who he heard, spoke like a puffed up peacock.

What is the highest math level you have completed?

Won any national awards?

Hey, did I see you at the x-competition?

Kid felt inferior and caused imposter syndrome feelings. Said he felt very judged and insecure.

Wonder where all these humble kids were that day?

The kid we know at Cornell and the one at Stanford are down to earth. The one at Harvard is not.

+1000 on Cornell

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Was the multimedia presentation in lieu of “video submissions”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

It likely has changed a lot: more than half on need based aid now. It was more like 1/4 30 yrs ago, rest full pay

Eh, not really. My friend’s child is headed to Yale next year. At the admitted student event, the kid said nearly everyone who he heard, spoke like a puffed up peacock.

What is the highest math level you have completed?

Won any national awards?

Hey, did I see you at the x-competition?

Kid felt inferior and caused imposter syndrome feelings. Said he felt very judged and insecure.

Wonder where all these humble kids were that day?

The kid we know at Cornell and the one at Stanford are down to earth. The one at Harvard is not.

That kid needs to grow up. Not all of Yale will be like that…but it should come as no surprise that a large %age will.

Not sure how folks get admitted to these schools and then either truly don’t know the culture or just gleefully ignored it because of the Yale name.

Stanford will absolutely be this way too…likely worse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC is at Princeton. He was not pointy. Big public high school. Strong GPA, class rigor, test scores, etc. He played a varsity sport throughout HS, was in the audition-only jazz choir. Strong writer, enjoyed learning, good relationships with his teachers. Not a legacy, not a recruited athlete, not URM. We joke that maybe he got in because he was homecoming king.

Full pay?

[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?

We have gotten to know many ivy friends of my rising junior ivy student. They have visited our home or we have spent time with them on campus. Almost all did a fine art/music and did it for years before high school and had state or regional accolades. Some were also top debaters/model UN, or did legitimate research (not pay to play). They are all engineers and premeds and only one out of 8 is hooked: rest are white or asian nonlegacy kids, not recruited, most were Val or Sal unless from a feeder private but still top5%. They all talk about being top in their school winning high school awards or getting into prestigious NJ/other summer governors school, then coming there and being above average and they joke about it. They all are highly intelligent: to just listen to them is amazing, but they are almost all humble. They are from all over the country, and one from Canada. Most got in to at least one other T10(this ivy is in the T10). Every one speaks and has a demeanor that is mature beyond their years.

They sound wealthy. From this description, I can see how the process is geared towards those with money and without a need to earn money for the family. Music lessons are expensive, and I assume a governor's school is expensive too.

So, full pay would be one hook for these admits, I assume.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

We have gotten to know many ivy friends of my rising junior ivy student. They have visited our home or we have spent time with them on campus. Almost all did a fine art/music and did it for years before high school and had state or regional accolades. Some were also top debaters/model UN, or did legitimate research (not pay to play). They are all engineers and premeds and only one out of 8 is hooked: rest are white or asian nonlegacy kids, not recruited, most were Val or Sal unless from a feeder private but still top5%. They all talk about being top in their school winning high school awards or getting into prestigious NJ/other summer governors school, then coming there and being above average and they joke about it. They all are highly intelligent: to just listen to them is amazing, but they are almost all humble. They are from all over the country, and one from Canada. Most got in to at least one other T10(this ivy is in the T10). Every one speaks and has a demeanor that is mature beyond their years.

They sound wealthy. From this description, I can see how the process is geared towards those with money and without a need to earn money for the family. Music lessons are expensive, and I assume a governor's school is expensive too.

So, full pay would be one hook for these admits, I assume.

Ummm...'governor's school' is completely free. My husband who grew up poor and went to college on a Pell grant was in governor's school.