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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]How do you prep your MS kids for college?  1) let the discover who they are, 2) let them work out the schedules for school work so they learn the implications of not getting things done, 3) don't worry about college yet.

Let the kids define their passion, and encourage them.

Realize that there are many more viable options than the top 20 colleges; there is minimal correlation in life outcomes to the elite schools.
[/quote]

This, above.

OP, you cited some ideas that people love to claim are universally true on these forums: Applicants need "leadership positions" or should be "nationally ranked athletes." You imply that your kids "haven't aced" activities so that's going to hurt them, the idea being that they must "ace" or be outstanding at anything they want to tell colleges about, I guess?

Please don't buy into that stereotype. My DC went through college admissions last year and is a freshman now. I know a LOT of DC's friends well and I know about their activities. None was a nationally ranked athlete (or even a state level athlete). The "leadership positions" were not "student government president, president of five different clubs, Eagle Scout, Gold Award Girl Scout" etc.

And none did the dreaded "I founded a charity in eighth grade to save the world by knitting caps for babies" or whatever. Lots of real service in the community but not the faked-up kind. Colleges now can smell that on a application, OP. If it's genuine, great, but if it's done with parental prompting and an eye on applications--it will show.

These kids all got into schools they wanted. They're fine. My DC was not the ace at anything but did show huge consistency (very consistent performing arts extracurriculars for years though never a "star performer," very consistent with an instrument, participated in a lot of opportunities for playing music) and did some unusual things that are not on the usual "star athlete/class president" list (was on the board of a school museum; attended a specialized writing camp...for fun). No, not in selective state orchestras, didn't publish a novel at 16, didn't achieve the highest levels in Scouting etc., didn't walk off with awards on senior awards day. And is now at DC's first choice college. The key is showing commitment and maybe doing some things that are outside the usual box of "leadership position, star athlete, noble savior of the world."

This is why it's best to let your kids find something THEY feel passionate about and pursue it, even if you think it's not on the classic leadership/star track. They do not have to be the stars and standouts at everything they do; they have to be able to show why they kept pursuing their activity even though they [i]weren't [/i]the stars. If they do end up as Eagle Scouts or high scorers, because they love Scouting or adore basketball--that's truly great. But your post worryingly sounds like you want to push them to "ace" things with an eye toward college.

[i]You are far, far better off ensuring they have strong writing and analytical skills than pushing them to rack up [u]perfection[/u] in activities. Here's why: A student who can write a terrific application essay about his genuine interest in his activities is going to do fine on college admissions.[/i] Those are the ones who really stand out because SO many applicants will be the captain of this, president of that, and top kid at whatever. It's the student who can TELL a college why he cares about something who will really stand out. And he can't tell a college that unless he (1) genuinely is doing an activity he wants to be doing and (2) has worked on writing skills to express that genuine interest.[/quote]

OP here. Thank you 🙏 this is helpful.

I should be careful next time with my choice of words. We are surrounded with Uber competitive parents and no one is ready to share. Obviously I don’t want my kids to be left behind. I was hoping parents whose kids who are no competition to my children and their kids are now set for the desired universities will offer help / advice. That’s all.

My children over a course of time have tried so many activities. The ones I listed are the ones they are still excited about.

I agree on the reading and writing part. It’s very important. I have heard this from all the parents with kids in Universities. We were hoping to send them to summer camps for writing this year but it won’t be happening.

Thank you again and stay safe![/quote]

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