Congressional Art Competition

Every Spring, many US congressmen hold art competitions in their home districts.  If your child is good at painting, drawing, photography or most other 2-dimensional forms of art, you should call your US congressman’s office and encourage your child to enter the competition.

The deadline can be different with each Congressman, but it is usually in or before May (could be as early as March).  Call your Congressman’s district office and find out when the deadline is and what the requirements are.

The winner’s art work is displayed at the Capitol for a year.  The congressman usually invite the artist and his or her parents to Washington DC and pay for the airfare.  You should call your Congressman’s office and ask about the detail.

I am posting this article for those who are already into art and has been drawing or painting for some years.  Unless your child is exceptionally talented, it will be difficult make any meaningful progress in a few months.  If your child has been drawing for some time, you should definitely learn more about this competition.  More importantly, encourage your child to enjoy art.

My Son’s Extracurricular Activities

Here is a list of extracurricular activities my son has been doing since his freshman year.

• Tutoring exchange students
• Assistant coach for a junior high flag foot ball team
• Assistant coach for a junior high soccer team
• First violin at a local youth symphony
• Awards from local art competitions
• Class Treasurer
• National Honor Society member
• Summer class at a UC campus

Extracurricular Activities

“We’re looking for a commitment to and a passion for an activity outside of the academic setting — we’re looking for depth rather than breadth.” Nanci Tessier,  a College Admission Director

Many people wonder what extracurricular activities students should be involved in.  Some students try many different activities.  They try sports, choir, student government, music, student clubs and so on.  But many college admissions officers say that it is the commitment and leadership that count.  It is not how diverse a student’s interest is.  Freshmen may want to explore what they will find interesting.  But sophomores should concentrate on one or two activities that interest them and explore leadership opportunities.

There is nothing worse than joining a club just to put in the college applications.  What college admissions officers look for is how students used the extracurricular activities to broaden the horizon and learn important things in life from the experiences.  So, I suggest that students get involved in activities that are related to their intended majors in college and to their future career.  Students interested in becoming a doctor should become involved in volunteer activities helping the under-served in the community.  No matter what extracurricular activity students choose, students should become deeply involved and show their commitment to the activities with many hours of service and leadership.

College admissions officers want to indiviuality and consistent commitment.

Please let me know how you think about this issue with your comments.