<p>Did any other parents get a form like this from the HS Guidance Counselor? Sort of a "Brag Sheet" thing?</p>
<p>5 Adjectives, you must be kidding. </p>
<p>"Fantastic, Amazing, Super-terrific, Incredible, Unique...."</p>
<p>Is "Hard-working" the kiss of death, like on an adult's resume?</p>
<p>One school actually asked for a parent recommendation letter. I hate to write that kind of forced praise, but I did it. That ended up being the school he’s attending, but I can’t imagine that it factors much in the admissions process.</p>
<p>Good: Innovative, passionate, insightful, compassionate, curious, creative.</p>
<p>Bad: Solid, hard-working, laid-back, obedient, cautious</p>
<p>Our guidance dept. asks that question also. It’s purpose was to help the GC write a more personal recommendation. We used it to highlight things that might not have made it onto the transcript or teacher recs. With each word, we put a brief, specific example of the trait, including quotes from employer, volunteer coordinator, etc. It helps to chose words that are not “generic” and consider what your student is likely to contribute to a college campus.</p>
<p>self-directed is a good word.</p>
<p>It’s like the job interviews my son is going through now where they want the student to tell what his/her weaknesses are. My co-worker and I helped my son with some good responses. (lawyers can b-s well)</p>
<p>Persistant (the ability to persevere), consistence in character (having integrity)</p>
<p>We had a thread on this very topic not that long ago. I think that we decided that adjectives alone aren’t that useful–but an adjective and a little explanation after it would be more of a help to the GC.</p>
<p>Best adjective that I remember that we came up with–XavierCugatish.</p>
<p>I don’t have time to look for the link now. Maybe someone could help. I thought that we came up with some great adjectives.</p>
<p>There was a thread a while ago (or maybe it was a part of one of those long - parents of the class…- threads) on this subject with some really excellent ideas. Does anyone remember where it was?</p>
<p>Oops, did not read the post above, obviously…</p>
<p>^ I started that post but I have no idea how to link it. It had some great recommendtaions on words to use and not use. If someone with more computer skills than me can search posts under my name from last month, you will find it. It was very helpful.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/768372-brain-freeze-need-help-adjective.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/768372-brain-freeze-need-help-adjective.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/706020-personal-descriptors-avoiding-unsuspected-negative-connotations.html?highlight=brag[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/706020-personal-descriptors-avoiding-unsuspected-negative-connotations.html?highlight=brag</a></p>
<p>Inquisitive, self-motivated, organized/responsible, optimistic, enthusiastic</p>
<p>When my S filled out his, he actually wrote down “good-looking”. Thank god his GC knew it was his silly attempt at humor.</p>
<p>Darn, I saw all this too late! Meeting with GC was this morning. But maybe it will help someone else.</p>
<p>Thanks, you guys!</p>
<p>My son needs to be an absent minded professor. He has that written all over him. However I don’t think he should put that in his “statement of purpose” when he applys to grad schools this fall. Know you’re talking HS to college, but I couldn’t resist responding.</p>
<p>Woody, Love it!</p>
<p>My son had to do this last year for a college app. His list started, “Musical, magical…” I don’t remember the rest. “Athletic” was probably in there.</p>
<p>How about, “Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, etc.”</p>
<p>Grumpy, sneezy and sleepy currently fit my D. Too late for a flu shot?</p>