<p>I don't know if I'd consider my daughter a "nerd" (her word) but she has very good academics, is a top student in chorus and Wind Ensemble, probably going to major in music (either BA, BM in performance or Education) and is considered a "quiet, reliable" student. With her music (practice, weekend orchestra) and sports (she plays volleyball and does out of school crew) there is not a lot of time left for volunteering, or club leadership positions. She's a Freshman so hopefully we will find some more time! </p>
<p>In complete shock, her fellow classmates chose her as homecoming princess, the only girl chosen in the entire grade. Does this accolade show her as a well rounded individual that has earned the respect of her classmates? Should she put that on college applications? Other stats will show she's not the stereotypical "prom queen" type and she was more surprised, excited, and appreciative of having the vote of her peers for prom court because it was unexpected and made her feel that following her dream of music and performing at a high level and as a serious student didn't stop her from winning. Would a college see this as anything special? How about in an essay? I know she's only a HS Freshman, but we're trying to keep close track on everything that can help prepare for college applications. Thanks!</p>
<p>Yes, if there is room when she is a senior. Congratulations!</p>
<p>It sounds like your D is having a great hs experience. That matter far more than resume bullets. </p>
<p>For now, note everything to jog your memory down the road in a few years. You’ve got lots of time to decide what fits and does not fit. Don’t worry about volunteer work - she’s busy enough already.</p>
<p>I think it’s a great idea to keep track of everything. Personally, I would not advise my child to put election to homecoming court on her application. My D was chosen by her classmates as ‘most likely to succeed’, and that’s not going on the ap! As far as not having a lot of community service, my D does not either because she is involved in sports year-round. She just doesn’t have much time.</p>
<p>“there is not a lot of time left for volunteering, or club leadership positions”</p>
<p>There doesn’t need to be. There is no requirement that every student volunteer or have a club leadership position to get into a selective college. A highly talented musician who is planning to major in music will be evaluated on the depth and breadth of her musical accomplishments, not on whether she made President of the French Club or did 70 hours with Habitat for Humanity. (She’s welcome to do those things if she wants to - but it doesn’t detract from her application if she doesn’t.) Being focused, committed and passionate about the things that are important to her is what matters. Collecting titles and padding her resume is a waste of time.</p>
<p>And the fact that she was chosen a homecoming princess is proof enough that she is liked and respected by her peers and is seen as contributing to her school community. That’s a nice thing and there’s no reason not to list it, although it’s more of an ‘oh by the way’ rather than an important ‘front and center’ achievement.</p>
<p>I imagine it will get listed as one of her freshman year activities, unless it gets bumped by more interesting stuff she does in the next three years. I can’t imagine it would be the subject of an essay. If she doesn’t have time during the school year to volunteer she might do something during the summer. My older son worked in the computer lab of the senior center and also helped program scheduling. My younger son played the violin and taught an origami class at the senior center. Both used their volunteer activities to spend more time doing things they loved.</p>
<p>Congrats to your D. That’s wonderful :).</p>
<p>I don’t think I’d put it on her apps though. I just really don’t think colleges will care. It does seem like one of those “padding” things.</p>
<p>If she is a musician, perhaps she could volunteer her time with a civic chorus (if singing is her thing) or by playing her instrument for a community orchestra. DS, who was a music major, regularly volunteered to play the National Anthem for community events, played in the orchestra as a volunteer for a local community theater, and played in the brass ensemble for a local church (he actually ended up receiving a scholarship from them too). </p>
<p>Volunteering comes in many sizes and shapes. All of the above were listed as volunteer activities for DS.</p>