Evaluation Criteria Overview
(10%) Application
Answers
to application questions, including demonstration of Quaqua ideals, quality of
goal statements, neatness, etc.
(5%)
Letter(s)
of recommendation are primarily for verification purposes and are not intended
to reward applicants for being well-connected. Letter(s) evidence that the applicant possesses at least a
minimally adequate level of social competence and character and that the applicant
may possess unusual or noteworthy traits. A standard evaluation form may at discretion of the Committee
be required in conjunction with the letter. The letter shall not to be scored higher on the basis of its
author’s identity, except insofar as author identity is relevant to
demonstrating the author knows the nominee and is a credible evaluator. The applicant shall not be penalized for
a letter with poor form, since the applicant is not allowed to see the letter.
Except where the Committee specifically grants a waiver in advance
for unusual circumstances, the letter shall not be written by any blood-relative,
adoptive-relative, or step-relative of the applicant.
(10%)
The
applicant will be judged solely on the technical quality of the expression
and exposition; the substantive merit of the position taken shall not be evaluated. The question shall in most cases relate
to some conceptual issue relevant to alternative education.
(20%)
Applicants
must submit transcripts, lists, test scores, and/or other materials which
provide the Committee members with adequate insight into the preparation of
each applicant relative to their chosen academic, professional, and/or vocational
field. The Committee shall look
for evidence of achievement, commitment, self-direction, and motivation on
the part of the student. The
Committee shall consider whether the evidence indicates the applicant has
a sufficient base of skills necessary to gain admission to their chosen institutions
or programs of advanced learning. Applicants shall not be penalized or favored simply on the
basis of whether their educational track resembles the standard public education
structure in such matters as, for example, regimen, curriculum, or accreditation.
(15%)
Extra-curricular Activities, Work Experience, and Other Resume Items
The
Committee shall look for depth of accomplishment and adequate and optimal
(but not excessive) breadth of activity, and may take into account any commendable je ne sais quoi exhibited by the applicant.
(40%)
Display of Talent
A
portfolio, work, writing, project, performance (via video or audio tape),
or other display of talent, individually or in combination as dictated by
the conventions associated with the relevant talent, shall be submitted by
the applicant.