<p>I know extracurriculars are very important. They can hook you into a college, etc. But how many people get into top colleges because of their application essays and recommendations? In essence, how many people get into top colleges for their personalities (and maybe good grades and some modest achievements), instead of what amazing feats they have accomplished?</p>
<p>Yes, they are the life blood in society. Apparently it’s not who you know, but who knows you.</p>
<p>maybe check out the acceptance threads? they give an (albeit very vague) idea</p>
<p>"how many people get into top colleges for their personalities (and maybe good grades and some modest achievements), instead of what amazing feats they have accomplished? "</p>
<p>That’s a non starter. The top colleges evaluate the whole picture, not just slices of each. They read a file and form a picture in their mind. If that image seems to fill a certain niche, then that person advances to the next round. There’s little science to it – it’s very subjective.</p>
<p>Many get into ‘top colleges’ with good grades and modest achievements - but what do you mean by ‘top colleges?’ If you are talking about the top 10 selective univesities and LACs, then no, not very often. There are too many candidates with excellent grades and outstanding achievements. Those who do get in with good grades and modest achievements usually have at least a unique personal perspective to offer as a result of unusual life experiences, or they bring an element of diversity to the school that the ‘usual’ applicants don’t. Personality alone doesn’t generally do it.</p>
<p>At the top schools everyone considered has great grades and test scores . What makes makes a candidate stand out ? Great ECs as well ! In my D’s suite at Harvard everyone was unique in some way - one was a championship horseback rider ,another had done scuba around the world -wealthy girl’s hobbies for sure . In addition to being the top student at her school ,my D had done many countless hours of community service ,including organizing blood drives . She volunteered for 8 weeks on an organic farm abroad ,as she is very committed to green living .Harvard paid for her to go back this year ! YES ,I really think ECs define you and show how you are special !</p>
<p>faux: if I may interject. I think for this discussion I would veer from your point. Top schools accept kids who naturally are drawn to excel in many fronts – classroom, playing fields, ECs. It’s also plain to top schools when they see the legions of kids who pursue ECs just because they feel they must play the game or not get noticed. This discussion is along those line – “how do I craft myself into looking like I’m into ECs”. </p>
<p>The reality is your daughter and her Harvard suitemates really pursued these ECs because that is who they WERE(curious, self motivated, make it happen type of personality) not because it was something they did.</p>
<p>How many kids post: “Should I do this EC? Should I join a sport? How important is this award?”</p>
<p>For top school, IMHO: these kids are already behind.</p>
<p>I’m going to be completely honest. When people think of students who attend the top three they think of Asians who spend their entire time studying and such(sad part, this is true). I’m not that person AT ALL. Sure I got okay/good grades and worked hard to get them. But I’m not a prodigy in a specific subject, and I’m not that great all around student(math >< it kills). But I made sure to have stellar ECs. I went to Israel to help orphaned children as well as Romania( and used those experiences to write a kick ass essay about how it altered my life and I wanted other to have that same epiphany) Then I started a project in my community which spread throughout the county and eventually most of the state. I asked my interviewers to wear comfortable work clothes and took them into the field so to say, and showed them what I was trying to achieve. </p>
<p>I have a personality which some of those robotic Asians don’t(no offense is meant to you guys, I love you). And I strongly believe this is why I got into these schools.</p>
<p>My GPA was a 3.7 but my SAT score was a 2380</p>