A Kinder, Gentler College Admissions Process

You may or may not have heard about "Turning the Tide," a report published by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  Basically it says what we all know: the college admissions process has jumped the shark (my description, not theirs).  Some students are driving themselves to the brink with way too many AP classes and a list of activities that would put most of us in a hospital.  Enter "Turning the Tide." It recommends that students limit their APs and put more energy into meaningful contributions to others.  The report concludes that admissions offices should be encouraging young people "to become more generous and humane in ways that benefit not only society but students themselves."

On the surface it sounds wonderful!  But this opinion piece - The Myth of Kinder, Gentler College Admissions -  says it's just not going to happen.   I have to admit that I'm also skeptical.  I'd like to believe that AP courses won't be so important in the future, but I still have my doubts.  One thing is clear: the system needs to change.  It remains to be seen however, whether or not "Turning the Tide" will start a movement.

Don't be an idiot.

Acceptance letters in hand - and in some cases, decisions made - seniors have a tendency to think that the college process if finished.  They can now let their hair down, relax, chill...whatever they call it, they start taking everything a little less seriously.

Don't do it.

Don't be an idiot, as our friends in the Georgia Tech Admissions office explain in their blog.  If you must celebrate the end of your senior year by doing something risky or just plain stupid, don't post it on facebook, instagram, snapchat or twitter.  By all means don't do something so bad that your college counselor is compelled to report it to a college.  And keep studying.  They can - and will - rescind your admission is it gets too bad.  I've seen it happen to a GPS girl (and still have the letter to prove it), so don't let it happen to you.

Be smart. Make smart decisions.  We want to make sure you actually get to the college you have decided to call home.