<p>There is no way a parent should “make the decision” and propel a child into an EC. I’ve seen too many kids just burn out with soccer, softball etc. Debate is an EC the child’s got to really want to do. Imagine the pressure on a kid to do well in an elective EC so that 3-4 years down the road they can write about it in an essay. It won’t work. It’s just intangible. Even the most studious, respecful child will resent it and rebel at some point. If you have expectations that they are involved students and get the best grades they can, success will follow and they will be happy.</p>
<p>So the kid doesn’t get into a “top college” so what? I went to an acceptable college and have a wonderful career I love.</p>