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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Our counselor really helped identify my daughter's specific pillars of interest and focused her on developing those (vs. trying lots of different things). I just took a look at the resume they developed together, and it really highlights her strengths in a way that I am not so sure we would have done without her. We started at the end of 10th grade and the first thing she did was to help craft her narrative and guide her to focus on those specific areas of interest.

[b]For example, with so many school clubs available, DD was trying lots of different things in 9th and 10th grade. She suggested pulling away from things that don't fit the narrative and focusing more time and energy on those areas they had identified.[/b]

That alone, to us, was worth it. We also got very good guidance on course selection. All of this work was helpful because DD did not have access to her college counselor until second half of junior year.[/quote]

I'm not doubting that that's the best strategy to get into a highly rejective school, but it's profoundly sad that we tell our children to stop trying new things and to stick to a "narrative."[/quote]

I get what you’re saying. But think of the flip side — many kids cram their schedule with all these clubs and sports because they think it’s necessary to get into a good college. It’s awful to see what all these kids are doing these days! To have someone tell you that you don’t need to do all these things can be empowering! I agree that it shouldn’t be to “fit the narrative”, but if the side effect is to ease pressure, I’m not complaining! [/quote]

DP.  Nowadays all the parents around you can be pretty crazy, they have their kids do everything possible to get their kids into a top college.  We knew we don't want the rat race, but don't know how to escape from all that.  Having a good IEC is reassuring, they will tell you what's important and what is not.  Mine did not dictate a narrative to DC, but ask her to develop her own starting 9th grade.  Will the kid get into HYP, no way, but t30 and some good lacs are reachable.  [/quote]

I am the PP who spoke about the "narrative." Perhaps that word hits some as a negative, but it is simply a marketing term. Your student is essentially being marketed to colleges, and in order to do that effectively, one must create and adhere to a plan. The "narrative" wasn't created by the consultant...it was the result of spending time with my DD to learn where her passions lie and which of those passions most effectively draw on her strengths.[b] Did DD enjoy playing lacrosse? Yes. Was she impactful in that sport? No. The decision to not continue in lacrosse was based on the logic that her time would be better spent on other passions where she makes more meaningful contributions. [/b]Dropping lax is something we always thought she should consider, but it was always met with stubborn resistance. She eventually agreed she would be stretched too thin once we brought the consultant into the picture. Now she has time to devote to the things she loves and can be proud of.[/quote]

Not disagreeing that this approach is the best admissions strategy, but it still makes me sad that children (which is what high school students are!) can't do something for the sake of happiness/enjoyment -- must everything be impactful?[/quote].

We were in the same situation, it’s volleyball, and she is not even in a national level club.  Mine said if this is something she really enjoys, then continue.  So we continue.  20+ hours of commitment every week.  It’s not going to help college at all.  [/quote]

I really think you’re doing the right thing to let your DD continue volleyball. Now that my kid is applying to internships and jobs, we see that athletes are in high demand by all companies. The work ethic and ability to be a team player are highly valued. She’ll do great![/quote]

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