In recent years, the landscape of college admissions has drastically changed, prompting students to start preparing as early as ninth grade. During my own high school experience, I began contemplating college options in the fall of my senior year, submitting only five applications and selecting the institution that offered the most favorable financial aid package. While it wasn’t entirely stress-free, it certainly didn’t resemble the extensive four-year process that students face today.
A coalition of 80 colleges and universities known as the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success has introduced a concept that encourages students to compile online portfolios showcasing their academic work starting as early as ninth grade. According to a report by NPR featuring an interview with the University of Florida’s Vice President for Enrollment Management, Sarah Thompson, students will have the option to upload samples of their work from their freshman year when they finally apply in their senior year. This initiative aims to establish a digital repository for students’ achievements.
The application process will utilize a complimentary platform that serves as a centralized hub for all participating colleges. As highlighted by The Huffington Post, this site not only allows students to submit their applications but also provides them with resources to begin their preparation years ahead of time. Students can seek guidance from college admissions offices and collaborate with teachers and counselors to develop their digital portfolios.
While I appreciate that this initiative provides support for students who may lack access to college counselors or adult guidance, I find the notion of preparing “years in advance” concerning. Aren’t we encouraged to promote independent exploration and allow children to navigate their own paths without constant oversight? Shouldn’t students have the opportunity to embrace failure as a part of their learning journey?
High school, akin to earlier educational stages, should be a sanctuary for exploration and growth—not merely a prolonged audition for higher education. If students approach each assignment with an eye toward building an impressive portfolio, the joy of learning may be overshadowed by the fear of receiving a low grade.
Even during my less intense high school days, I hesitated to enroll in challenging courses due to the potential for poor grades. Today’s students may feel discouraged from pursuing new interests like coding or art for fear that a less-than-stellar grade will negatively impact their college applications. By initiating this process in ninth grade, we risk further limiting students’ opportunities for open-ended learning in their formative years.
Consider a student who is naturally inclined to challenge herself in ninth and tenth grade but is discouraged from taking risks due to the implications for her portfolio. This student may end up with a sparse collection of work, placing her at a disadvantage compared to peers who played it safe. A four-year portfolio creates additional barriers to embracing the learning process.
Moreover, it begs the question: why is the college application process perceived as a “make or break” situation? While I recognize the importance of a college education in achieving financial stability, I feel that the current approach merely masks deeper societal issues, such as the systemic nature of poverty. Shouldn’t local schools be valued equally to those farther away? Additionally, why are so few people able to access “good” colleges in the first place?
Families are acutely aware of how crucial college admissions can be to achieving a stable financial future. However, I would prefer to see efforts focused on making college more affordable or improving the quality of lower-cost institutions, or even, though it may seem ambitious, on reducing the need for a college degree altogether. Our society struggles with financial stability, creating immense pressure for students to secure admission to prestigious colleges, often at the expense of their childhood.
In summary, the evolving college application process now requires students to start as early as ninth grade, creating a lengthy and competitive journey that may overshadow the joy of learning. While initiatives to create more accessible pathways for students are commendable, we must also address the underlying issues of educational equity and the value of diverse educational experiences.
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