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.
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.
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.
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!
I’m still thinking about this. I hope the story doesn’t just go away. There’s so much about the college system that is broken, including people’s desperation to get into “the right” school. There are so many paths that can be taken after high school. A 4-year degree at an overpriced institution is not the only one. (Big sigh.)
Amen mama! I had a similar experience with writing my own college essays (my mom died during this process so, yeah, it was super easy to focus), was accepted to three schools and I picked one in Boston because I wanted to be in the city. I had a GREAT college experience and played zero sports but developed my love of cycling. I can only hope that the process of admissions changes because of this ridiculousness and the latest events shine a glaring light that forces change before I have two sons dealing with at the same time.
And congrats to your son!!! There is almost no better feeling then getting that acceptance letter. Wait…do they still send letters? LOL!!!
Congrats on your son accepting the offer of admission, Dana! I am still flummoxed by the revelations of Operation Varsity Blues. My constant question is: Why? Why would they resort to illegal means? But this is privilege at its best: wanting and getting more, regardless of the means by which they achieve their ends. Truly sad.
I love learning little tid bits about you… college admissions counselor? Very cool!
I’ve been through college admissions twice- once for me (I only applied early admission to one school and got in… heaven!) and once with my oldest. We are preparing to go through it again with child #2.. We learned a lot with #1 (don’t we always… poor kids, those first borns). He applied to some “high level” schools with prestigious names and got some disappointing results but ended up at a state school with a great reputation and wonderful opportunities. And here’s the best part: he’s extremely happy. Sometimes I wonder what he would have experienced at a prestigious school – would it have been super competitive and cutthroat?
I’m so glad your son got into a school he’s excited about, and I hope he’s very happy.
The Varsity Blues scandal has brought some needed attention to the problem of privilege and entitlement in our society. I hope it sparks some change.
Wonderful post, as usual! I am so proud of my family!!
Excellent post and I couldn’t agree more with you on all points. And congratulations to your son.
Well said! Your last paragraph is the best & one to be proud of. Your parents told me about the acceptance this morning. They are very proud too.
What a timely and excellent post. And most important, we are so happy for James’ acceptance to his #1 college choice. To work hard to earn that spot is priceless!
Huge congrats to your son and definitely have every reason to be proud of him as I know he indeed worked his collective butt off for his spot to his college of choice. So very well deserved and truly happy for him and your family <3