This morning as I trolled the internet at 3:23 am contemplating my son's college options, I found the Brag Sheet. Have you hear of this? Basically it is the first step in creating a type of resume, where you highlight the achievements and accomplishments of your student in an effort to make him stand ahead of the crowd during the admissions review process.
One question on the brag sheet template I was reviewing, asked parents to describe their child. Sure 6 foot, light brown hair, thin and beautiful is one way to describe my Max. But I am sure that is not the point. I could tell what he does or what interests him but even that doesn't get at the essence of him. After thinking about it, what comes to mind is his presence. When Max enters a room or a conversation, the air get full. It's almost like you feel "more". Suddenly whatever was being discussed or performed seems more interesting and significant. He brings perspective and color. It's kind of like turning on the music or spraying perfume or wrapping yourself in silk. When he leaves, you feel left. Not that you parted but that you were left behind. It just isn't enough. It's like eating one potato chip or listening to someone hang up before you do.
I don't mean to imply that each interaction with my son is some joyous event. He brings stress, drama and worry (although all of that is surrounded by an "it's all good, don't worry" mentality). Whatever he brings, it's not bland or vanilla or average. He is present and makes you present.
So how do you convey that to a college admissions committee? Paper is one dimensional, with data on his grades and community service and athletics and SAT scores. It's such a small part of him and who he is and what he can do
Maybe instead of a brag sheet, the admissions counselors could experience a Brag Film or the documentary of Max. Guess that is a little over the top.
One question on the brag sheet template I was reviewing, asked parents to describe their child. Sure 6 foot, light brown hair, thin and beautiful is one way to describe my Max. But I am sure that is not the point. I could tell what he does or what interests him but even that doesn't get at the essence of him. After thinking about it, what comes to mind is his presence. When Max enters a room or a conversation, the air get full. It's almost like you feel "more". Suddenly whatever was being discussed or performed seems more interesting and significant. He brings perspective and color. It's kind of like turning on the music or spraying perfume or wrapping yourself in silk. When he leaves, you feel left. Not that you parted but that you were left behind. It just isn't enough. It's like eating one potato chip or listening to someone hang up before you do.
I don't mean to imply that each interaction with my son is some joyous event. He brings stress, drama and worry (although all of that is surrounded by an "it's all good, don't worry" mentality). Whatever he brings, it's not bland or vanilla or average. He is present and makes you present.
So how do you convey that to a college admissions committee? Paper is one dimensional, with data on his grades and community service and athletics and SAT scores. It's such a small part of him and who he is and what he can do
Maybe instead of a brag sheet, the admissions counselors could experience a Brag Film or the documentary of Max. Guess that is a little over the top.
