Reply to What happens when elite schools shift away from test scores, grades, and AP?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm concerned that the new emphasis on community service, etc.  will once again privilege extroverts over introverts.  There are lots of very bright people (ahem, myself included) who prefer to work quietly and alone and who really don't turn their smarts towards organizing tasks -- organizing others, getting people 'pumped' about some project.  It's possible to be really intelligent without having the personality of an aerobics instructor -- and top schools should recognize that and seek out more of the quiet, brilliant types -- even if to the extroverts we seem dull.[/quote]

+1000
My kids are exactly as you describe (as am I).  They detest things like pep rallies, car wash fundraisers, "spirit week," etc.  Anything that requires them to prance around and scream with feigned excitement.  On the other hand, they are excellent students who love nothing more than curling up with good books or having deep discussions about subjects that interest them.  However, there's no way to convey that kind of personality to colleges.  Apparently, all they want to see are the leaders, the class officers, the kids who spearhead some enormous, all-night charity dance-a-thon.  My kids love to learn, but they just don't fit the kind of mold that puts them on display at all times.  Too bad, because they would be incredible assets to any college.[/quote]

University of Chicago looks for these kids.  Their Uncommon Essays really give kids a chance to show off their intellectual playfulness.  Teacher recommendations are another place where these qualities may shine through.  No interview required at U of C.  Canadian universities might be another place to look -- McGill cares about your coursework, your grades, and your scores.  No teacher recs, no ECs, no interviews.[/quote]

You mean where fun goes to die? Nothing like an institution that recruits "creative" kids and crushes them under a rigid curriculum and grade deflation.[/quote]+1[/quote]

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