The college admission process is not a new experience for me.
Thirty years ago, I was the high school senior applying to colleges. Twenty years ago, I was the college admissions counselor, reading applications and making admission decisions. Today, I am the parent of a high school senior applying to colleges.
While my perspectives have shifted, the game has changed as well. This week’s breaking news (Really? Yes, it’s a train wreck, but our society’s hierarchy of breaking news is skewed towards the sensational and frankly, not earth-shattering.) brings it to the forefront, and it has me nostalgic for the good ol’ days.
The student
In 1989, I applied to three colleges. On paper, by hand. I don’t recall if my parents helped me with the applications, but I know I wrote my own essays. I took the SAT without the benefit of a prep course. I picked three schools I had a good shot at getting into, and I got in. They wanted me, I wanted them. I chose the one that gave me the most money, and I didn’t look back.
The counselor
In 1999, I worked for a small liberal arts college, visiting high schools and attending college fairs to spread the word about our school. I read applications and essays that were clearly written by the students, and I had conversations and interviews with these students so they could determine if the college was a good fit for them. We tried to woo students with our beautiful campus and strong academic programs. We wanted them, and we wanted them to want us.
The parent
In 2019, it is often the students who have to woo the colleges. The competition is so fierce, and the business of college admissions is cutthroat. Colleges take pride in lowering their acceptance rates each year. Look how hard it is to get into our school! Tuition and fees are through the roof. But we give merit aid! We offer loans! Students who have to navigate the admissions process on their own are often at a distinct disadvantage.
Clik here to view.
The entire system is flawed, for sure, but the FBI’s Operation Varsity Blues reveals the cracks and the people who exploit them. These parents have enough money to give their children every leg up – legally. They can afford any four-year university, any test preparation class, any essay tutor, any college counselor. Those with the means are always at an advantage, because they can play the game, feeding the lucrative monster that college admissions has become.
It’s unfair. Yet those named in the investigation went a step further, committing crimes so that their privileged children could take the spots that should have been given to students who actually meet the qualifications of the universities.
Clik here to view.
I hope this investigation leads to increased accountability, but I know there will always be people who believe they are above the law. Sadly, money can buy almost anything, including unearned admission into college.
Money cannot buy the feeling my son got when he finally accepted the offer of admission from the college of his choice. He’s not rowing crew for USC or playing tennis at Georgetown, but he worked his butt off for his spot, and he earned it fair and square, no bribery necessary.
Clik here to view.
To protect his privacy, I am not disclosing the name of the college my son chose. If you know it, please don’t mention it in the comments – thanks!
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