Do these ECs have much weight?

intparent
Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:53:13 +0000

The Jack Kent Cooke one is actually huge… number one, it is VERY selective. Number two, it gives her financial resources that can be a springboard to some great academic experiences (during the year and in the summer). I am a little unclear, but doesn’t it potentially also continue on to cover college and even grad school costs?

I think admissions departments definitely take a good look at Jack Kent Cooke Scholars. Especially if it covers a lot of her college expenses (then the colleges don’t have to pony up their own financial aid). I know a JKC Scholar who headed off to Carleton College just last year. However… she still needs to perform well in high school and choose some extra curriculars to focus on as well.

Since she is still a high school freshman, she has plenty of time. She certainly can continue to focus on community service. Maybe encourage her to pick one or two other things and really focus on them. There are lots of choices besides sports and music at most high schools. Examples of things my kids have done that could be very good ECs if your D really focuses on them: competitive speech, debate, Quiz Bowl (or Academic Decathlon), model UN, Amnesty International, creative writing club, science or math Olympiads, Girl Scouts, and Robotics are a few. Different high schools offer different options, so she will need to figure out what choices she has in your community.