College Discussion - View Single Post - Problem with these "chances" threads and the self appointed experts

holycow0515 · 08-01-2006, 08:16 PM

Most people try and give good faith answers to the "chances" questions posed and I suppose that this is partly what this site is supposed to be about. Nonetheless, I would like to share with you what i learned from my recent dinner with someone who has been an admissions officer at a top ivy for several years.

First and foremost I learned that everything is about context. What I mean by this is that credentials, particularly ECs cannot be evaluated as a laundry list. Stats, ECs, recs, essays, etc. cannot be evaluated individually. It is how they all interact, and the overall picture of you as a person that your application paints, that matters most. I left dinner absolutely convinced that COLLEGES ARE NOT CHOOSING LAUNDRY LISTS OF STATS AND ECs, THEY ARE CHOOSING HUMAN BEINGS.

The challenge in submitting a successful application is being able to convey who you are and why you are a person whose presence would enrich college X. So the next time some Bozo characterizes your ECs as weak do not be discouraged. Stay focused on honestly showing the adcom the person you are and how much you have to offer. You may find you do better than the person whose application reads, look at my stats and ecs, I must be the man.

08-01-2006, 08:16 PM	#1
holycow0515 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Threads: 42 Posts: 120	Problem with these "chances" threads and the self appointed experts Most people try and give good faith answers to the "chances" questions posed and I suppose that this is partly what this site is supposed to be about. Nonetheless, I would like to share with you what i learned from my recent dinner with someone who has been an admissions officer at a top ivy for several years. First and foremost I learned that everything is about context. What I mean by this is that credentials, particularly ECs cannot be evaluated as a laundry list. Stats, ECs, recs, essays, etc. cannot be evaluated individually. It is how they all interact, and the overall picture of you as a person that your application paints, that matters most. I left dinner absolutely convinced that COLLEGES ARE NOT CHOOSING LAUNDRY LISTS OF STATS AND ECs, THEY ARE CHOOSING HUMAN BEINGS. The challenge in submitting a successful application is being able to convey who you are and why you are a person whose presence would enrich college X. So the next time some Bozo characterizes your ECs as weak do not be discouraged. Stay focused on honestly showing the adcom the person you are and how much you have to offer. You may find you do better than the person whose application reads, look at my stats and ecs, I must be the man.