We all know that legacies, especially those of alumni who make large donations, have always had an advantage over other applicants at certain colleges, but to learn that bribery schemes took place at two public schools I attended, UCLA and The University of Texas at Austin, was disturbing.
UCLA alumni received an email from the Chancellor today which cited the UC Board of Regents Policy 2202 of 1998 concerning admissions criteria:
These criteria include an applicant's academic achievement, special talents, and life experience. Admissions motivated by concern for financial, political, or other such benefit to the University do not have a place in the admissions process….
“Who you know” will always give some individuals an edge, but I believe there are good schools across this country. There is also much research out there, as reported by NPR today, to support the fact that a student’s choice of major “is a far more powerful factor in her eventual earnings than her choice of college.” The article also noted that while most Supreme Court justices do, indeed, hail from the Ivy League, 86 CEOs of the top 100 U.S. companies attended college elsewhere, including abroad (U.S. News & World Report, 2018).
As your college acceptances come in, make your choices for the right reasons. Will one of your schools enable you to better explore your special talents? Will one better provide the life experiences you seek? If you do not receive a scholarship or tuition assistance, will the school be affordable without stressing your and/or your family’s finances?
An “elite school” might very well be the place for you, but if it isn’t, check your ego when making your decision. My big sister had the grades and SAT scores to go anywhere, but she chose San Diego State because it offered her a specific area of study, environmental design. She relished her “Big U” experience at SDSU, made life-long friends, and went on to a successful career in design. Granted, San Diego State isn’t a slam-dunk entry these days, either, but the point is, don’t fret if you aren’t a legacy or your family’s name doesn’t grace the entry of a building on campus. There are plenty of good schools out there waiting for you.
www.npr.org/2019/03/13/702973336/does-it-matter-where-you-go-to-college-some-context-for-the-admissions-scandal
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2018-06-11/top-fortune-500-ceos-where-they-went-to-college
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