Doing It for the College Resume

Applying to College
1

"MANY KIDS SEEM TO BE doing it all these days. They’re active, they’re involved and they’re volunteering, while maintaining rigorous schedules with school, sports, extracurriculars and homework. The recent surge in activism we’ve seen from our youth in response to gun violence in schools and other causes dear to them has made the whole nation take notice of their resourcefulness. Our kids are finding their voices and speaking out. They are finding their way and figuring out what they care about.

However, I am concerned that some of their involvement in community service and causes also has another motivation. Our kids are hoping that people will take notice – specifically, the folks wielding the power in college admissions offices across the country." …

https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/2018-07-31/doing-it-for-the-college-resume

2

I agree with this article 100% but will also admit that while in the thick of it, it’s hard to not get caught up in the “how will it look to colleges” thinking. My daughter quit volleyball after sophomore year. Her only sport. To make varsity, she needed to play year round and she wanted to pursue her other interests. The decision was obviously hers to make, and we supported her, but my husband and I privately had the “what if this hurts her when applying” conversation. In the end, “happy” was the most important factor and it all worked out well in the end.