How to be different

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Twenty years ago the answer was grades. Then it became that + research. Then it became that (the new that, that is) + internship. Then it became that + birding. Then it became that+ non profit. As the world champion of punning example in the thread demonstrates, this is a never ending saga.

In the hunt for the latest shiny credential to add on, parents forget that AOs also seek to build a collaborative community. So amongst two equally qualified kids, the one that has demonstrated skills like working with others on a shared goal, helping others, ability to listen, ability to handle conflict/diversity of views, is the one you would want on your campus.

Trying to differentiate on credentials amongst STEM kids is difficult. Differentiating on behavioral skills is less frequently done, but could provide this edge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Twenty years ago the answer was grades. Then it became that + research. Then it became that (the new that, that is) + internship. Then it became that + birding. Then it became that+ non profit. As the world champion of punning example in the thread demonstrates, this is a never ending saga.

In the hunt for the latest shiny credential to add on, parents forget that AOs also seek to build a collaborative community. So amongst two equally qualified kids, the one that has demonstrated skills like working with others on a shared goal, helping others, ability to listen, ability to handle conflict/diversity of views, is the one you would want on your campus.

Trying to differentiate on credentials amongst STEM kids is difficult. Differentiating on behavioral skills is less frequently done, but could provide this edge.

The key is to be like no one else in the application pool - especially from your own high school. You must stand out. What is different about you?

I saw the application of an Asian female TO STEM candidate who’s at Yale this fall:

In addition to national level accolades in violin, she was a recognized artist who had other unique hobbies, including:
collecting ancient coins (turned into an appraisal business with blog/youtube); crocheting (volunteer hours with an organization); and
taught origami classes to kids and participated in origami folding competitions (national awards).
There was also a sport.
An unusual candidate. All around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This discussion is so exhausting. I wish our teenagers could just enjoy dating and going shopping with their friends and normal stuff teenagers actually enjoy.

They can. Resist this nonsense.

They can date and hangout shopping during their free time, unless they want to go to a top 20 (maybe even top 50?) college. If Penn State or Indiana is the dream, dating and shopping is fine. Not to be snarky, but that is the truth. Vanderbilt? Northwestern? Get those impactful ECs going!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Twenty years ago the answer was grades. Then it became that + research. Then it became that (the new that, that is) + internship. Then it became that + birding. Then it became that+ non profit. As the world champion of punning example in the thread demonstrates, this is a never ending saga.

In the hunt for the latest shiny credential to add on, parents forget that AOs also seek to build a collaborative community. So amongst two equally qualified kids, the one that has demonstrated skills like working with others on a shared goal, helping others, ability to listen, ability to handle conflict/diversity of views, is the one you would want on your campus.

Trying to differentiate on credentials amongst STEM kids is difficult. Differentiating on behavioral skills is less frequently done, but could provide this edge.

The key is to be like no one else in the application pool - especially from your own high school. You must stand out. What is different about you?

I saw the application of an Asian female TO STEM candidate who’s at Yale this fall:

In addition to national level accolades in violin, she was a recognized artist who had other unique hobbies, including:
collecting ancient coins (turned into an appraisal business with blog/youtube); crocheting (volunteer hours with an organization); and
taught origami classes to kids and participated in origami folding competitions (national awards).
There was also a sport.
An unusual candidate. All around.

I think this is why some of the people at our high school got in this year. They did very niche / unusual out-of-school activities with national recognition for those activities. Whereas the kids who just did the normal boring robotics, model UN, quiz bowl and sports did not have as great outcomes. With similar stats and rigor.
The unusual seems to win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Documentary making.
And make it STEM-related.
Attend film festivals and showcase your work. Create a record.

If from a wealthy family, start a documentary festival for kids in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Twenty years ago the answer was grades. Then it became that + research. Then it became that (the new that, that is) + internship. Then it became that + birding. Then it became that+ non profit. As the world champion of punning example in the thread demonstrates, this is a never ending saga.

In the hunt for the latest shiny credential to add on, parents forget that AOs also seek to build a collaborative community. So amongst two equally qualified kids, the one that has demonstrated skills like working with others on a shared goal, helping others, ability to listen, ability to handle conflict/diversity of views, is the one you would want on your campus.

Trying to differentiate on credentials amongst STEM kids is difficult. Differentiating on behavioral skills is less frequently done, but could provide this edge.

The key is to be like no one else in the application pool - especially from your own high school. You must stand out. What is different about you?

I saw the application of an Asian female TO STEM candidate who’s at Yale this fall:

In addition to national level accolades in violin, she was a recognized artist who had other unique hobbies, including:
collecting ancient coins (turned into an appraisal business with blog/youtube); crocheting (volunteer hours with an organization); and
taught origami classes to kids and participated in origami folding competitions (national awards).
There was also a sport.
An unusual candidate. All around.

OMG the violin. THAt is classic Asian stem kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Documentary making.
And make it STEM-related.
Attend film festivals and showcase your work. Create a record.

If from a wealthy family, start a documentary festival for kids in the area.

You're going to have trouble with rights and usage there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Twenty years ago the answer was grades. Then it became that + research. Then it became that (the new that, that is) + internship. Then it became that + birding. Then it became that+ non profit. As the world champion of punning example in the thread demonstrates, this is a never ending saga.

In the hunt for the latest shiny credential to add on, parents forget that AOs also seek to build a collaborative community. So amongst two equally qualified kids, the one that has demonstrated skills like working with others on a shared goal, helping others, ability to listen, ability to handle conflict/diversity of views, is the one you would want on your campus.

Trying to differentiate on credentials amongst STEM kids is difficult. Differentiating on behavioral skills is less frequently done, but could provide this edge.

The key is to be like no one else in the application pool - especially from your own high school. You must stand out. What is different about you?

I saw the application of an Asian female TO STEM candidate who’s at Yale this fall:

In addition to national level accolades in violin, she was a recognized artist who had other unique hobbies, including:
collecting ancient coins (turned into an appraisal business with blog/youtube); crocheting (volunteer hours with an organization); and
taught origami classes to kids and participated in origami folding competitions (national awards).
There was also a sport.
An unusual candidate. All around.

Unusual? this sound completely contrived and extremely boring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Sports. Not an individual sport, but a true team sport where you have to be committed to the team and your teammates.

Shows ability to put others before yourself and also shows ability to maintain high academic success while spending hours per week doing something completely non-academic.

Really, any time consuming activity that is totally different from STEM. But sports fills this need particularly well.

Disagree on team sports.
My kid's individual sport (national ranking/medals) was extremely helpful for Ivy.
Look at the scoring rubrics and how at certain schools (esp Stanford, Northwestern and Duke) the highest possible points go to individual national awards for EC (including sports).

Was your kid with national ranking/medals a recruited athlete?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Twenty years ago the answer was grades. Then it became that + research. Then it became that (the new that, that is) + internship. Then it became that + birding. Then it became that+ non profit. As the world champion of punning example in the thread demonstrates, this is a never ending saga.

In the hunt for the latest shiny credential to add on, parents forget that AOs also seek to build a collaborative community. So amongst two equally qualified kids, the one that has demonstrated skills like working with others on a shared goal, helping others, ability to listen, ability to handle conflict/diversity of views, is the one you would want on your campus.

Trying to differentiate on credentials amongst STEM kids is difficult. Differentiating on behavioral skills is less frequently done, but could provide this edge.

The key is to be like no one else in the application pool - especially from your own high school. You must stand out. What is different about you?

I saw the application of an Asian female TO STEM candidate who’s at Yale this fall:

In addition to national level accolades in violin, she was a recognized artist who had other unique hobbies, including:
collecting ancient coins (turned into an appraisal business with blog/youtube); crocheting (volunteer hours with an organization); and
taught origami classes to kids and participated in origami folding competitions (national awards).
There was also a sport.
An unusual candidate. All around.

Unusual? this sound completely contrived and extremely boring.

And yet she got into Yale.

People think they can suss out the authentic high achievers from the contrived high achievers and really just look to see if the applicant is asian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Sports. Not an individual sport, but a true team sport where you have to be committed to the team and your teammates.

Shows ability to put others before yourself and also shows ability to maintain high academic success while spending hours per week doing something completely non-academic.

Really, any time consuming activity that is totally different from STEM. But sports fills this need particularly well.

Disagree on team sports.
My kid's individual sport (national ranking/medals) was extremely helpful for Ivy.
Look at the scoring rubrics and how at certain schools (esp Stanford, Northwestern and Duke) the highest possible points go to individual national awards for EC (including sports).

Was your kid with national ranking/medals a recruited athlete?

I’m not that poster.

But my kid is not a recruited athlete (the sport not a recruitable sport at most schools or only avail as club) and has achieved gold medal equivalence, along with silver, at nationals, in the individual sport.

Our private College Counselor says it is the absolute strongest and most distinguishing part of application.

Applying to some schools listed.

Where is this EC “scoring rubric”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Documentary making.
And make it STEM-related.
Attend film festivals and showcase your work. Create a record.

If from a wealthy family, start a documentary festival for kids in the area.

You're going to have trouble with rights and usage there.

You don't use their documentaries.

The strength lies in demonstrating your leadership aspects and the power of convening kids with similar interests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Twenty years ago the answer was grades. Then it became that + research. Then it became that (the new that, that is) + internship. Then it became that + birding. Then it became that+ non profit. As the world champion of punning example in the thread demonstrates, this is a never ending saga.

In the hunt for the latest shiny credential to add on, parents forget that AOs also seek to build a collaborative community. So amongst two equally qualified kids, the one that has demonstrated skills like working with others on a shared goal, helping others, ability to listen, ability to handle conflict/diversity of views, is the one you would want on your campus.

Trying to differentiate on credentials amongst STEM kids is difficult. Differentiating on behavioral skills is less frequently done, but could provide this edge.

The key is to be like no one else in the application pool - especially from your own high school. You must stand out. What is different about you?

I saw the application of an Asian female TO STEM candidate who’s at Yale this fall:

In addition to national level accolades in violin, she was a recognized artist who had other unique hobbies, including:
collecting ancient coins (turned into an appraisal business with blog/youtube); crocheting (volunteer hours with an organization); and
taught origami classes to kids and participated in origami folding competitions (national awards).
There was also a sport.
An unusual candidate. All around.

Unusual? this sound completely contrived and extremely boring.

And yet she got into Yale.

People think they can suss out the authentic high achievers from the contrived high achievers and really just look to see if the applicant is asian.

Yeah, so what. You seem think that AOs can suss authenticity and your proof for that is that someone was accepted because they pursued trivial hobbies (coin collection, origami folding competitions :roll well known to provide college boost. This person is standing out in order to stand out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Sports. Not an individual sport, but a true team sport where you have to be committed to the team and your teammates.

Shows ability to put others before yourself and also shows ability to maintain high academic success while spending hours per week doing something completely non-academic.

Really, any time consuming activity that is totally different from STEM. But sports fills this need particularly well.

Disagree on team sports.
My kid's individual sport (national ranking/medals) was extremely helpful for Ivy.
Look at the scoring rubrics and how at certain schools (esp Stanford, Northwestern and Duke) the highest possible points go to individual national awards for EC (including sports).

Was your kid with national ranking/medals a recruited athlete?

I’m not that poster.

But my kid is not a recruited athlete (the sport not a recruitable sport at most schools or only avail as club) and has achieved gold medal equivalence, along with silver, at nationals, in the individual sport.

Our private College Counselor says it is the absolute strongest and most distinguishing part of application.

Applying to some schools listed.

Where is this EC “scoring rubric”?

What's a "gold medal equivalence"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some ways for a stem kid to separate themselves from the thousands of other high schoolers who do research, aime, “internships”, isef, etc?

Documentary making.
And make it STEM-related.
Attend film festivals and showcase your work. Create a record.

If from a wealthy family, start a documentary festival for kids in the area.

You're going to have trouble with rights and usage there.

You don't use their documentaries.

The strength lies in demonstrating your leadership aspects and the power of convening kids with similar interests.

A perfect example of total BS