<p>Is Richmond providing parents with the option to send in their own essay about their child? </p>
<p>They solicited this from parents last year at some point in the process (perhaps it was part of the scholars selection?). We thought it was kind of silly but did it anyhow. </p>
<p>We tried to talk about the long view: how we saw our son developing over many years, a perspective that few teachers could know. </p>
<p>I have no idea whether or not it did a darn bit of good, but we were very happy with the admission results.</p>
<p>We just received the email this morning. I’m shocked they want to pile on one more piece of information to evaluate, but am happy they did. We’ll gladly write a letter on DD’s behalf.</p>
<p>We just received an email as well. Any idea how this plays into the process?? This is one of her top choices and we want to be sure we are supporting her efforts to get in. Anyone have any insight as to why they truly asked the question?</p>
<p>They ask it because as a parent, you know your child better than anyone and can provide insight into who they are as a person and student that cannot be matched.</p>
<p>You’re not punished for not submitting the essay, but if your child is borderline, that extra information on the applicant can help sway the decision.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to a short article about colleges that invite parent essays, in which the University of Richmond is featured. The VP of admissions describes why they do it, and some of the interesting responses they’ve received:</p>
<p>“It’s the things that won’t come across on a transcript or a letter of recommendation from an A.P. chemistry teacher,” she said. “It helps admissions officers get a better understanding of the student.” </p>
<p>I reacted the opposite of the others above. I just deleted it. I see this as a pandering tactic to helicopter parents who want to do anything and everything to get their kids into a school. My guess is that the University feels that if a parent will write an essay on behalf of their kid, it shows a lot of demonstrated interest and they might make the admit based on that because they will get more $$ for their tuition. Sorry to be so cynical, but that is the way I look at it.</p>
<p>My nephew was hired by his LAC after graduating, as a young member of the Admissions office. The months when applications were read was pure hell for them (15 hrs/day, 7 days/wk), and I can just imagine the despair of the Richmond admissions staff when told there’s yet another essay to read.</p>
<p>However, Richmond is saying that it will consider almost anything in trying to get to know its applicants. That’s a nice attitude. Can an admissions staffer be influenced a bit by a charming story from a parent? Is the boost from the “insight” provided by the story, or the potential for greater funding by an enthusiastic parent? Is it fair to applicants whose parents are too busy or disinterested to write their own essay, and should that dissuade parents who are willing to find the time? </p>
<p>I think all of these theoretical questions pale for many parents when faced with the question, is this essay something I can do to possibly help my kid, even a little? For those with limited financial resources, it’s a way to provide a bit of non-financial support.</p>
<p>It was also an invitation to shamelessly boast about our child. That was kind of fun!</p>