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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]U. Illinois Urbana?[/quote]Or U of Illinois Chicago.[/quote]

OP here, great advice, and following this we looked into McGill and U Illinois Chicago a little bit. McGill we don't think we'll apply to because she's a little scared of being in a whole different country, even if it's not geographically far away. She was intrigued by U Illinois and we're going to an event for a sibling in Chicago soon, so we'll definitely visit and look around a little. I do agree that the emphasis on [b]empty extracurriculars[/b] is ridiculous. My daughter doesn't like sports or music. She's not that good. Plus, she "hates people." Spending her time doing things that would be forced and unpleasant won't make her a better student or asset to the community at all. In a way I'm proud of her for quitting music when she didn't like it, she recognized that it would only help with college and she didn't actually like it at all. Thank you guys so much.[/quote]

Glad to hear you've got a good plan.

In my experience, the emphasis is not on empty extracurriculars at all. In fact, most college admissions counselors recognize an overly padded resume when they see one. Instead, they're are looking for kids who are involved in activities and organizations that they really care about. Lots of learning takes place outside the classroom and colleges have found that kids who deeply pursue their interests tend to have a lot to offer to the college and have the ability to take advantage of what the college has to offer to them.

Best wishes to you and your daughter!
[/quote]

You may be right about what college admissions counselors think, but it is a bit grating. Plenty of very smart, quirky kids who are not joiners have a lot to offer. This obsession with teens having "deep interests" is what leads nutso parents to post here about their 5 year olds that lack a passion  in life ...[/quote]

+100
My kid is just like me -- not a joiner -- so I really can't blame him!  That said, he's very smart, funny, well-read, and just a pleasure to be around.  It's too bad that kind of thing doesn't really convey on a college application.  I hope that colleges start taking note of the many very interesting kids they may be overlooking when searching for that "perfect candidate" with the often made up or exaggerated passions.  [/quote]

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