My D22 has a 4.0 gpa, received 5’s and 4’s on her AP exams and had/has a rigorous course load with all AP and honors classes for senior year. Her SAT score was 1330. She didn’t do sports but did school theater, habitat for humanity club, tri-m hs, national honor society and foreign language honor society, drama club, student government, show choir, etc. She works part time at Dunkin as well. She models part time and is on the cover of 2 young adult fiction novels. Is this something we should mention in her ec’s?? I don’t want it to seem like she is bragging but it is an honor that not many others get to experience and I keep reading that you should include things that set her apart. I’d love some input. Thank you in advance!
A job is a job. List
5 Likes
Yes, these activities should be included on one’s college application. All are likely to be viewed as positive activities.
1 Like
Yes list it! That’s super cool and unique! Especially if she likes to read/is interested in English major that could be a cool tie-in.
2 Likes
You are not the only one that has had a concern about this:
1 Like
I’d put it down as her last EC, since she probably has spent the fewest hours on it. I don’t think that the fact of her modeling makes her seem “ditzy”. But I also wouldn’t put much weight on it, either.
My concern is her SAT. Given her grades, I would have expected it to be higher. Maybe you should have her try a practice ACT at home. Some kids do better on the ACT than the SAT. It is definitely possible to prep for the ACT and improve one’s score on it. My kid tried the ACT, and immediately realized that it was a better fit for him.
2 Likes
Thank you! Yes she is interested in an English major and scored 730 on that part of the SAT. I will put it down. Thanks again!
1 Like
Yes, us too. She put so much pressure on herself for the SAT that she was a bundle of nerves and was crying on the way to the test. Then burst into tears after. She took the ACT and scored a 27 but the same thing happened. When I bring up taking it again more tears. Ugh. I think we may be stuck with that score. Is it terrible? Should we not submit either? Most of the schools on her list are SUNYS and are safety and the privates are matches so we were going to include it for those but not submit it for her reach schools. I’m nervous about it because I know she is capable of a higher score.
Now I get it. Okay, so she gets too nervous. Poor kid. What does she want to become?
I’m hoping that she is not planning on grad/professional school that requires standardized testing, like LSAT or MCAT or GRE. She will benefit from not having to submit scores. I agree, only send her SAT to the schools where it’s at least 50th percentile for that school.
Funny, she was able to get 4’s and 5’s in AP exams, which are also high-pressure tests.
1 Like
YOU will put it down? Who’s writing the application?
Definitely have your D include the modeling on her application. It will likely be considered an unusual/interesting part time job.
1 Like
She is. Really with the animosity lol. I meant I’ll tell her to include it. Feel better?
4 Likes
Thank you so much. I appreciate the feedback.
We said the same thing! I think she didnt give them as much weight in her head and they were taken in school during a regular class day. I guess that helped. She wants to pursue English or communications. She’s sort of undecided. I’m hoping she’ll grow out of the test anxiety.
Not sure what schools she is considering but many colleges are test optional these days. My D had a number of test optional schools on her list and I think that helped her to relax when she retook the SAT.
1 Like
Had to ask. There have been examples…
There is not need to go through that kind of stress for testing. If she doesn’t need merit aid, she can look at this extensive list of test optional schools
2 Likes
Totally list the cover of romance novels thing. If for no other reason, it is memorable. she will be the only applicant with that experience!
If I were an interviewer, I would zone in on that first. Sounds fascinating!
1 Like
Sure I would include the modeling and the book covers. She doesn’t have to make it sound like bragging. It’s just factual.
My D doesn’t want to take the ACT again either, so I get it.
There are plenty of colleges out there for her and sounds like you are focusing on some good options for her. I believe the SUNYs are test optional. Since her GPA and AP tests are so good I’m not sure I would include the SAT (which is a fine score, btw). I don’t think that score does anything extra for her, but I am not an expert on such matters.
Is the 4.0 weighted or unweighted?
1 Like
Modeling, if anything, sounds super unique! Not many kids get featured on book covers.
1 Like