<p>from a mom whose d has a black belt in karate and is attending an Ivy I just want to add a bit to this discussion-
(Honestly- let a kid do what a kid wants to do)</p>
<p>First and formost, my kid had the “basic Ivy credentials” re: SAT scores- class rank-etc. etc. What I think showed up on her application was that she did not join every club or do activities just to impress the Admissions Officer.</p>
<p>Her main activities were Karate (she taught special Ed kids Karate- she was employed Teaching Karate) and summer camp ( swimming- nature- cook-outs-- not one of those Educational camps or summer pre-law programs)
She joined a few school clubs and was in orchestra.
but she certainly did not have a whole array of scholastic activities from Editor of newspaper, science research, robotics club etc. etc. etc. </p>
<p>Maybe her individuality came through and it was refreshing to get an application from someone who did not list all the usual “cookie cutter activities”
and yes I also know of a fellow Long Island girl who got into Columbia with her main EC being a cheerleader. The family felt her activity also played a big role in her acceptance.
Not to sound sexist but even the Ivy Leagues want and need “cute” and competent cheerleaders. It’s probably a good marketing tool. These games are televised. and the image of the school will be conveyed in this venue too.</p>
<p>I think a kids individuality and maturity comes across when it is obvious they choose activities based on their OWN preferences and not what they think looks good to a college admission officer.</p>
<p>The kids in my Long Island district who were most successful with Ivy League admission were the ones who showed independance and a backbone in choosing outside activities. Having an after school job and NOT participating in numerous “academic” endeavors seemed to impress admission counselors too. </p>
<p>As the saying goes , LESS IS MORE!!</p>