Packaging an applicant with disparate ECs/interests

tsbna44
Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:32:28 +0000

It’s not an issue. Every school seeks different and you don’t know what they want.

Some need an Oboe player in the orchestra. Some need females in CS.

Some need non CS majors because those students are less and less.

The kid you described is going to have a zillion opportunities straight up with the right list of schools.

Authenticity is your best bet.

You are concerned that “ She has followed her passions, had a memorable and happy (knock-on-wood) high school experience so far, and now we are just wondering how best to present her to AOs. This is a little trickier than for my older kid, because D has passions that don’t as typically go hand-in-hand.”

Frankly you are over complicating a process where this is a strength already.

The student should be driving this - as she has what activities she’s taken. She should drive her essay.

What will happen here is you’ll direct and the student will get stressed - as you know app time is already stressful - and she can potentially shut down.

I know it’s not what you want to hear but AOs have limited time as you note and authenticity is real. They can likely smell anything else from a mile away.

And frankly the portfolio you presented is already so great at ANY kind of school.

I suggest letting your daughter lead and all will be fine.

Good luck.