Your child's journey to college isn't a performance for admissions officers. Yet I keep hearing parents ask: "What extracurriculars look impressive?" "Which AP classes will catch their eye?" "What summer program will make my kid stand out?"
Here's the truth: Admissions officers have read thousands of applications. They can spot manufactured perfection from a mile away. That carefully curated resume of prestigious internships, leadership positions, and summer programs? If there's no genuine passion behind it, it reads like a hollow checklist.
Let me share a story. The most meaningful summer of my high school years wasn't spent at an elite program or prestigious internship. Instead, I ran a mile each evening to my grandparents' house – despite hating every step of that run. We'd sit on their porch, listening to jazz, while they shared stories of their lives. Those hours taught me more about history, resilience, and human connection than any resume-building activity ever could.
When your child chooses activities because they genuinely care – whether it's teaching younger kids to code, spending weekends at local theater productions, or yes, listening to jazz with their grandparents – that authenticity shines through in their applications. It shows up in their essays, their interviews, and their recommendations.
So stop asking what "looks good." Instead, ask your child: What makes you curious? What problems do you want to solve? What conversations leave you energized? What would you do even if colleges never knew about it?
Those are the questions that lead to genuine growth, meaningful experiences, and yes – compelling college applications.
Because here's what really "looks good" to colleges: A student who knows who they are and isn't afraid to show it.
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