Thanks for new replies. I thought this thread had reached end of life and was pleasantly surprised by new contributions.
@YoHoYoHo Yup, he will discuss things you mentioned. Thanks for encouragement!
@lookingforward Thanks. To be fair, the line about scoffing at resume padding activities was a bit of editorializing on my part and not direct quote from my son…though he wouldn’t necessarily disagree. My point was he just preferred to go all-in on a few activities and not add other ECs just for the sake of appearances. I don’t mean to imply that any kid who does those activities in engaging in fluff. For some, those activities are no doubt very meaningful and worthwhile. But others do build their resumes with an eye toward future marketability and tactically pursue ECs for personal branding for admissions–and we just didn’t do that. Like Willy said, “To thine own self be true.” But that debate could fill multiple threads and is not worth rehashing here. Anyway, much obliged for encouraging words about the AND.
@LoveTheBard Yes, he has visited Yale and liked it. We took admissions tour and afterwards a friend on the faculty gave us personalized tour and took us to eat in one of college dining halls. My son could imagine himself there and liked the positive student vibe. Major remains undecided but I would guess something along lines of government, history, psychology, or econ. Your advice about essays, deep interests and wit all seems right on point. Well said!
Since brevity is the soul of wit, I will stop here.