Reply to Early start: How do I prep my child 4 college admissions re: extracurricular projects, initiatives,

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[quote=Anonymous]Goal is for them to find something they really enjoy, become good at it, and (here's the only part that's specifically college-related) have some way of demonstrating their talent/achievement.  Sometimes that last part happens naturally (e.g. sports, debate/MUN).  But with other pursuits, the answer may be to encourage them to seek out opportunities for external validation in HS (e.g. national/international competitions -- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Siemens/Intel, USAMO, Gilder Lehrman or National History Day, ABRSM) or to take on/develop/participate in projects that have a tangible outcome (a blog, an app, an organization or event).

The thing to remember about college admissions is (a) there are lots of great schools where admissions aren't brutally competitive and (b) when admissions *are* brutally competitive, it's not a process where number of hours spent or number of activities engaged in matters per se.  What matters is standing out in a way that suggests the applicant has something interesting to offer and is a kid who knows how to succeed/do something well.  I'd also add (c) -- if paying for college as much or more of a hurdle than admissions, it's important to recognize that early on (beginning of HS) and identify potential sources of funding, including but not limited to scholarships.  These days, responsible paid employment (not BS internships with parents' friends) may make a candidate stand out/look poised for success (as well as make a financial contribution toward college costs).[/quote]

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