Participation vs. achievement?

lookingforward
Sat, 24 Nov 2012 17:25:58 +0000

It’s all in your presentation. Your “whole.” The pattern. Since you said Ivy, here’s my scoop. Sort of idealized-

Think of 3 prongs: what you do to further your own interests and future goals; what you do for your group -hs, cultural, church, etc; and what you do for your community, because you can see a need and commit to trying to have some impact.

The Africa trips should be balanced by local, roll-up-your-sleeves vol work/community service, over time. Adcoms know they are expensive trips and not always entirely about service. They can look to see if you cared during the past few years.

Self-publishing is a matter of coming up with the costs. Founding a non-profit is depends on what you actually did- it’s not all about collecting money; they can look for the depth of your engagement. And, they know many kids rely on adult support and donations.

Karate competitions- not bad. They are based on skills acquired over time and, presumably, improvement- so it’s good, like music.

Math-sci competitions…well, if you want STEM, tops schools like to see you have experience beyond the classroom- that you understand the practical aspects and teamwork. Winning isn’t everything. Robotics, Math Bowl, Sci Olympiad…all good ECs. Outside research is good. Sci Fair- depends.

Sorry for the bluntness. In the end, it’s what your actvities, together and individually, show about the sort of kid you are.

I’d bet each of you who asked, actually has done more- it really is about the whole. So think about that. Good luck to all.