College Admissions

It seems the college application process is difficult for all involved. Barry Schwartz has some interesting and radical ideas on college applications. I do agree with his diagnosis of problems with the system. All involved in the college admission process have to deal with stress at one level or another. Such pressure can be counterproductive, generating students who look great, but in reality rely on “easy A’s” or test preparation courses. But what about those who do earn such acclaim with their hard work and merit? Are their efforts to be disregarded because success on tests can’t always predict collegiate success? The idea of a “metaphorical hat” angers and concerns me. To a point, test scores and other numbers are not a clear indicator of success in college, but what other solution is there? Surely a better answer than chance exists. While numbers could be used to find a top percentage of qualified students, other criteria should be used to finally select students. Essays, as much as students dread them, really reveal important information that colleges can look at. With extracurricular activities, admissions counselors should look at achievement, breadth, and even uniqueness more than variety. If chance is the telling factor of admission, where is the incentive for students to work at something? Is “good-enough” really a better lesson to be teaching than hard work? A random admission system would actually worry and stress me more, because things would be out of my control. Schwartz introduces several good points about the effects of college applications and his extreme solutions make the problems more apparent. However, as a collage applicant, I feel that a variety of criteria, including tests and grade point average, can collectively show a good picture of the applicant. There is clearly no black and white method to this, but applicants are worth more of a look than the glance of probability.

Comments

[rachel mowery]

I agree with you when you say that the college application in today's world is stressful, but yet paints a decent picture of the student. Yes, when you are applying to Ivy League colleges you need to be the best of the best and achieve the highest scores in SATS, high school classes, and show that you are dedicated. Other than that, your essay, gpa, and SAT/ACT scores showcase your work habits and intelligence pretty well. Whether the parents push the students to be their best or not, students either have the grades and overall character to get in or not. In the cases students are not able to get into the college of their choice, community college represents a great alternative to a university or distinguished college. Whiel it might not be a student's dream school, it gives you the basics and groundwork to succeed in the same ways as an Ivy League student is able to. I also agree when you say, "Such pressure can be counterproductive, generating students who look great, but in reality rely on “easy A’s” or test preparation courses. But, I also believe that getting in or not getting into a certain college does not change your entire future. It is ultimately up to the student to work to their full potential if they hold such high goals, but if it doesn't pay off in the end there are always doable and reasonable alternatives openly available to them.Since there is no clear black and white, the process set in place is one of quality and gives a good, portrayal of an applicant's overall character, intelligence, and work ethic.

[Barbosa729]

I think that you analyzed this section perfectly because you addressed those involved and how their actions may have led to stress or anxiety. Everyone participates in school, but certain people care more about their future. Athletes for example focus on their sports, rather than their academic studies, because they feel they can make it to the big leagues. I am not trying to limit the amount of athletes and denounce their work ethic, but many find themselves in difficult situations when they are unable to provide for their families. Children who decided to take what I call “mickey-mouse “courses are not helping themselves by boosting their GPA’s. It is very important to receive a good education because it will help students succeed, but for those who don’t try, they will find it extremely hard for them to react to different challenges that approach them in life. It is crucial for students to participate in their communities to help them manage their time wisely and participate in academic studies. Some students have great work ethic, while others cram and find themselves in desperate situations to gain a better grade. Those who are organized and prepared will succeed, while those who wait the longest and wait for everything to unfold will find it very hard to adapt to. We as students must realize that it is our first priority to receive a good education, and other things such as jobs, sports, and fun should be sometimes set aside as a second priority. I’m not promoting a boring and academic life style by any means, but we must understand our play in society as teenagers and make those who love us proud.

[Account Deleted]

First of all Teachers should teach the student about the importance of the education, once if students realize the importance of education then no one can stop them from working hard and getting Top in the Exams. :)

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