Reply to Just figured I'd share because it might benefit lots of folks here...

Forum Index » College and University Discussion

Reply to "Just figured I'd share because it might benefit lots of folks here..."

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]I just had a long coffee meetup with a private college counselor who has been doing this for many years (since the late 1990s). I know her from my neighborhood but also wanted to talk to her professionally as my DS is a rising sophomore. For context,  my kid is a good student but not an academic superstar (as in, does not take all APs and does not have all As); sporty but not on par to be recruited by a college; and very talented at visual arts.  I actually don't think we'll work together because she lives nearby, and to be honest not sure it's even in my budget to work with anybody, but she did level with me about what she's seeing in an objective, kind-neighbor way and I thought it might help some other folks here. If it helps, I am on the East Coast but no longer in DC.

Right now, top schools are inundated with many kids who all look the same on paper. All APs. High GPAs. Top SAT scores. Club sports. Check whichever box you like. These applicants are virtually indistinguishable from one another. It's like, in her words, "picking rabbits out of a hat" in terms of who gets accepted (legacy admits notwithstanding). The arbitrary nature is fueling mega anxiety for kids and parents alike.

Kids who stand out show a longstanding commitment to an interest and a willingness to pursue that thoughtfully. For example, she pointed to a client who opted for college-prep (not AP) chemistry in order to pursue an independent study in music theory. Less workload in a class they did not plan to pursue in college also left this kid time to tutor younger kids in piano.

Essays also weigh heavily. I forget the phrase she used, but in an era of AI and SEO, this is an area where a kid's personality and passion for a school can truly shine. She emphasized that kids who tailor essays to the school, who have done their research and use specifics about why they want to go there, really stand out now more than ever. Kids who emphasize how they will contribute to the school community and why it's a fit stand out.

I am going to try to think of more takeaways from our conversation and can add them here, but I thought this was useful especially as I was wringing my hands over my kid's AP course selection next year.

[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics