I didn’t apply early, but some friends did. Emotions are running high. Some outcomes are shocking, some uplifting, some depressing. Big takeaway: crapshoot. I’ve heard about strong, solid kids who have impeccable integrity getting turned by the school that would be a great fit. I’ve heard about kids who have cheated their way through high school and getting into a "brand name." Ugh.
Most students around here just apply to the University of California campuses, so nobody I know has had the opportunity to apply early. However, I suspect I’ll be having a similar reaction in a few months. I know of too many people who’ve cheated their way to a 4.0+ and have had their parents write their essays with the help of some ludicrously expensive professionals.
It’s gotten me thinking about how this process could be improved for both sides.
My first thought was of one of your earlier posts. You suggested that admissions officers should read your blog rather than your essays for a clearer picture of you. I haven’t read your essays, but I’m willing to bet that statement could apply to most seniors with blogs. Unfortunately, that could suffer from the same deceitful problems as the personal statement.
If any fairness is to be put into the process, I’d bet on it coming about when mandatory interviews become common again. At least those are much harder to refine and lies are much easier to find.
I’ll just have to research foreign admissions processes if I’m to figure this out. Of course, I’m not convinced that many universities really care about diversity or improving the social fabric of their student body. If all they want is to flaunt bigger, badder statistics, then I’m wasting my time anyway.
Oh. By the way, I’m Sam. I’m a stranger who reads your blog.
Every time I read about the admissions process at U.S. universities and colleges, I am amazed. So much effort is put into it, so much planning needs to be done, so much tuiton is paid once you’re in – ‘just’ to get access to higher education.
Well, where I’m from (a small country in Europe), admission has been free since the seventies. Everyone finishing high school passing the exit exam has the right and possibility to go to university. No tuiton fees, just paying for books and scripts.
So, you might ask, how is the quality of education ensured in such a system? The answer is relatively simple: with a very (!) challenging curriculum, weeding out non-performers in the first few semesters.
While I don’t particularly favor any of the two systems, I still enjoy pondering their advantages and disadvantages.
Food for thought …