The application is just full of facts, ie, demographic and if any, list of activities. I really don't think it's that big of a deal who filled out the application itself.

Agreed with PP: the differentiating factors are essay, interview, grades, types of outside activities, and meeting minimum standard of test score for the particular school.

As to how much parental involvement in completing that essay, that's personal choice. No one can stop you if you want to write it, proof read it, edit it, whateverl But I think during the interview it may become transparent to schools if they feel that the candidate did not mirrored the quality of the essay.

Don't you think it is the grades and test scores that get the kid accepted - and the interview. That's a biggie.

I don't think it matters too much who fills out the app. (not talking about the essay, just the app.), except as a gauge by you the parent to see how much the kid really wants in.

Anonymous wrote:I let my child fill it out/write the essay, but I checked it and we went through several drafts on the essay. No sense in letting them fail from the get go. I doubt many parents let the application/essay go without changes.

I'm surprised by this. I was specifically asking about the application itself, not the essay. Of course my child is doing his own work on the essay.

Thanks to all who have responded.

I let my child fill it out/write the essay, but I checked it and we went through several drafts on the essay. No sense in letting them fail from the get go. I doubt many parents let the application/essay go without changes.

Anonymous wrote:I filled out the demographic information, etc. but let my child check off the activities they were interested in, and of course write the essay(s).

Me too.

I filled out the demographic information, etc. but let my child check off the activities they were interested in, and of course write the essay(s).

We're applying to a mix of Catholic schools for 9th grade. I noticed that all the applications ask questions of the child, as though the child would fill out the application, which I instructed my DC to do.

However, the Episcopalian schools and other private schools make it look like the parents are to fill out the application.

I've told my DC to fill out the Catholic school applications and that I won't help. Is this what everyone does?