I truly worry that too many kids are mis-using their college admissions opportunities as a way of validating their parents through prestige-seeking. At least, that’s what I feel like is happening, and the kids suffer for it. Now, time is of the essence, and many excellent opportunities will have passed.
I have a suspicion that it may be more difficult than the already overwhelming odds against would indicate (for schools that have near single digit acceptance rates), to submit convincing “Prove to us that YOU belong here and have something unique to offer,” applications to 10+ super selective colleges. Ten colleges that are vastly different, but press that “prestige” button. It’s hard to imagine “fit” for Stanford, Cal Tech, Michigan, Wisconsin, Harvard, Yale, UNC, Northwestern, Princeton, etc… for a single student. They’re so different (the communities).
Universities have been yelling it from the rooftops-- college admissions is about so much more than “high stats” and buzzwords. So, perhaps that is the problem. Demonstrating unique qualities, grit, true leadership (not just the typical high school popularity contests), talents that don’t reflect the hard work of the parents, and framing capabilities in the context of potential and growth, and with an authentic voice seem to work better than “high stats” alone. You know… be real. Be genuine. Be an actual fit for the environment that you’re applying to. It probably helps a lot to qualify “fit” using criteria with more thought and depth than “T20” and “Ivy League” though.