Anonymous
Post 03/01/2026 06:12     Subject: How much does charisma help in admissions?
Anonymous wrote:OP, your kid is average, and that's OK.

While her personality might indeed be her best trait, that doesn't mean she is "charismatic."



NP. Hiding behind anonymity to attack others is the hallmark of certain DCUM posters. They get a kick out of putting others down.
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2026 05:11     Subject: How much does charisma help in admissions?
OP, your kid is average, and that's OK.

While her personality might indeed be her best trait, that doesn't mean she is "charismatic."

Anonymous
Post 03/01/2026 04:39     Subject: How much does charisma help in admissions?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m a HS teacher and it helps but not in the way you are thinking. Students with charisma AND initiative can sometimes have more impressive ECs because they have put themselves out there more. It MIGHT be easier for me to write their recommendation letter if we have a relationship.

Notice I said they need charisma and initiative because it’s still the ECs, as just one part of the application process.

And no, charisma is not the only thing that makes a good recommendation letter but I can think of some stand out students with charisma who I had an easy time writing letters for because I had a lot of things to say. I can also think of many others without charisma in this same situation.


I mean, thanks, but being a HS teacher doesn't make you an expert on college admissions.


What the HS teacher said was sensible. They merely commented on their experience writing letters. They never claim to be a college admission expert. Why the snark?
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2026 04:24     Subject: How much does charisma help in admissions?
Charisma. That's what they must call those booby shirts and short skirts when applying to dirty old men.