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June 22, 2006
Admission Fear Factor II
My last entry was not to say that students shouldn’t strive to be the best. All students should challenge themselves. I am just increasingly frustrated by the panic that the media has caused so many families about the college admission process. Everyone should work hard and strive to attend the college or university that is best for them. My point is that for most students the college of their choice will not be one that has admission percentages lower than Derek Jeter’s batting average (Go Yanks!).
I just believe that too much emphasis is placed on doing things for the wrong reasons. The admission process has become a rat race of who can be the most impressive and do the most instead of participating in activities because of passion.
Here are some great quotes:
“Parenting has become the most competitive sport and the gold medal is getting your kid into Harvard. There is no human being who can be who kids say they are. Everything is on steroids.” – Dr. Rosenfield, author of “Hyperparenting: Are You Hurting Your Child by Trying Too Hard”.
“This is a delicate balance. Sitting in a hammock reading a good book is also important. The point for colleges is that when students find themselves with extended time off- like summer- doing something productive that is growth experience can be positive. That’s more the measure. We don’t want them to feel frenzied to fill every moment.” – Lee Stetson, dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania (from Lost Summer for the College-Bound, Alex Williams)
Posted by Chris Boehm at June 22, 2006 10:06 AM