FWIW, here is the form we received from Choate in '14:
Our work in the college process begins with the best and most important part: getting to know your child. In addition to conversations with your child, we talk with adults on campus who have insights to share–teachers, advisers, coaches, deans, and others. Each of these people have important observations to relay, but probably none as powerful and revealing as those you can give. Please take advantage of this opportunity to help us understand your child better. Stories and specific anecdotes in particular are quite helpful (and enjoyable to read). We appreciate hearing your insights, concerns and questions regarding this important stage in your child’s educational and personal development.
Members of the family may collaborate or respond separately, as you prefer. Please type your responses onto this document and email to your child’s college counselor by February 28, 2014. Thank you for your time and consideration.
(Family detail, including education, employment, degrees of parents/guardians)
Written Responses. Please write as much as you think appropriate.
What do you consider to be your child’s outstanding accomplishments of the past three or four years? Why do you select these as most important?
In what areas has your child shown the most development and growth during the past three or four years?
What are a few of the characteristics you admire most about your child?
If you had to describe your child in a few adjectives, what would they be?
Are there any unusual or personal circumstances that have affected your child’s educational or personal experiences?
Are there any specific considerations you feel strongly about as your child compiles a college list (e.g. geographic location, size, setting, athletic or artistic opportunities, religious affiliation, financial aid)?
Please list the names of any colleges you think are a good fit for your child. Why are these particularly suited? Anywhere but Ohio State.
How might your child handle denial from particular colleges?
(Optional) Please write a brief anecdote about your child that you feel captures one or more of his or her special qualities.
The CC held a meeting for all of her students’ parents over College Counseling weekend where she went over all the testing/date requirements and what we could expect from her and what she expected from us. In our one-on-ones, she went over FA requirements and such. The process was deep and thorough, and we never had questions we couldn’t get answered directly and quickly.
This forum is great for sharing, but your child’s CC will be your bottom-line resource for real answers specific to your child.