<p>New here, Just wanted to take a moment to say hello, I am hoping to get alot of information from this site. My S (and only child) is a senior in HS and we've been looking into colleges since 10th grade (wish I found this earlier!!) he has his top 2 choices narrowed down. I just received the Parent brag sheet to complete with my 8 questions ...kind of difficult because I'm not sure what the GC is looking for to help with her letter. I have met with her over the past two years and discussed my S with where he was at and what he was achieving for so I'm hoping between our meetings and my sons' sessions with her she has a feeling for who he is . S has taken one SAT last year and scheduled for another shortly, he is filing out applications (I wish he'd be more consistent) but following the guidance of his GC and others on timing.</p>
<p>Parent brag sheet- your opportunity to mention things that the GC may not know- your S helps take care of an elderly parent who lives with you; your S is the “go to guy” in the neighborhood when someone needs snow shoveled or their basement is flooded; your S is a favorite of your religious leader because he always follows through on his commitments and doesn’t look for glory or to be publicly recognized. Etc. Also a chance to talk about interests that don’t show up during the school day- your S teaching himself a foreign language, avid Civil War reader/history buff, etc.</p>
<p>Anything the GC wouldn’t know but would be helpful in describing who your S is- not what he is (scores, rank, etc. but WHO he is) will help the GC write a stronger and more vivid letter.</p>
<p>Like Blossom said, think of things that set him apart from other applicants.<br>
On a different note, are you very confident that he can get in to both of these schools and they are affordable? If your answer is not a positive yes and he is only applying to two schools, you might consider drawing a wider net. Wander around here, this place is amazingly helpful and good luck with the roller coaster ride that is college applications!</p>
<p>I don’t think we had a parent brag sheet. That would make me very uncomfortable. I think the kids filled out a sheet with things they did that were not related to school: classes outside of school, volunteer work, interests etc. </p>
<p>You mentioned two top schools, as top choices, so that may mean more schools on the list. However, one of the least stressful application seasons we had around here was with my youngest, who applied early action to two schools she had a reasonable chance at.</p>
<p>At any rate, welcome!</p>
<p>Our school did have form for students to write things about themselves but not from us parents. </p>
<p>I think the greatest challenge of the application process is the timing of everything. Like other things in life, everything takes longer than you think it will so pay attention to deadline dates. You need to allow the college board 2 weeks to really get those scores sent to the schools. Determine how many additional essays are needed in supplements so you son can be starting them. Determine if any schools like having interviews and schedule them now. </p>
<p>Feel free to ask anything to this group. cc has been invaluable to me in learning what was needed to get through this process.</p>
<p>The parent brag sheet is an excellent opportunity to educate the GC about the kid. Hopefully a few choice adjectives or an anecdote from a parent can find their way into the recommendation.</p>
<p>On another note, feel free to join the conversation over at the “Parents of HS c/o 2013/College c/o 2017” thread. We all have seniors & the other parents there have been very helpful to me!! :)</p>