If I’m reading @lookingforward 's comments (I’ve bolded some of it) correctly, I agree. @lookingforward correct me if I’m mischaracterizing, but the whole way of thinking that comes with having attended a HYP informs how I nudged my kiddos to approach their academic and extracurricular choices. I’m not saying I gave them a list of “approved” activities - far from it. Rather, I have watched what they are interested in and tried to connect it to the greater good of their community. I urged them to think deeply about the world around them and, if they felt compelled, to involve themselves in things (both volunteer, paid work and ECs that are just plain fun with no higher purpose than enjoyment and exercise) that reflect both their strengths and interests and what they feel called to do.
It’s a child-rearing/parenting mindset that calls for careful exploration and deep thought on both the parent and the child’s part. The goal is to raise healthy, happy and engaged adults. Whether they attend a HYP or another 4 year school doesn’t matter as much as the end result of a solid citizen who contributes to her/his community.
The “top schools” are looking for impact kids and many legacy kids are the impact kids with great stats.