<p>MNFlyer, as others so eloquently said, of course it matters. </p>
<p>My only concern is with your daughter’s choice of schools. As anxiousmom said, flagship public school admissions are primarily numbers driven. Is your daughter applying to any private schools, where admissions tends to be more holistic?</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - Chancellor Drake’s Fall Message 2010: Character Excellence - UC Irvine](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)</p>
<p>Top 50 (USNWR) state school says it values character</p>
<p>One of the teachers who wrote a rec for m S made a point of telling me that not only was he perhaps the brightest student she had had in her 19 years of teaching, but that he was kind. Unlike some of his peers, he was never arrogant, never made fun of someone for making a mistake–including her. It continues to be the comment about him by another person that I cherish most.</p>
<p>I agree that kindness counts, in life. If a teacher knows your daughter well enough to comment on her kindness, it may also count in a college recommendation. I also have a kind daughter, but one who is a B+ student in honors classes and who does not do well on standardized tests. She is sensible, thoughtful, and kind. She has a strong work ethic. Do I think these traits will get her into the college of her choice? No, I do not. At her large, urban school, she is mid-to-low level on the honors/AP track, and it is a difficult environment for teachers to get to know the students. Do I think these traits will contribute to larger success in life, as traditionally measured by monetary gain and prestigious employment? Again, I do not. Do I think that, nevertheless, she will contribute to society by both her level-headedness and compassion. A resounding YES! Will she be ok, overall? It is hard to see the larger picture at this juncture (junior year), but yes, she will be fine. Do I think true compassion and humility should matter more than they do for college acceptances and in life? I believe they should matter more. But, these are traits that one must carry forth regardless of compensation or external reinforcement, which your daughter knows. Wishing her the very best as she goes through the college application and selection process. She sounds like a wonderful young woman!</p>
<p>I’ve always operated under the assumption that a person should never expect special treatment for doing something that they are suppose to do.</p>
<p>A clean conscience is a good pillow, sometimes that’s all you can expect from living a clean life.</p>
<p>Eventually, the merits of a good character will be rewarded.</p>