An article from 2013 titled “Better Colleges Failing to Lure Talented Poor” keeps popping up on my social media. It offers an in-depth analysis of why prestigious institutions like Harvard and Amherst are not successfully attracting low-income students with outstanding test scores and academic records. The key issue? Many of these students simply don’t apply, despite the availability of grants and scholarships designed to alleviate the financial burden of attending expensive private colleges.
This topic resonates deeply with me as a low-income, first-generation college graduate. While I have an advanced degree and work at a university, my children are growing up in a lower-middle-class household, prompting me to ponder whether my educational path will influence their future opportunities.
Awareness of College Differences
Two significant points highlighted in the article also reflect my personal experiences.
First, there’s the lack of awareness regarding the differences between colleges. I started my college journey at 21 and graduated high school with little preparation. I couldn’t type and had never read a novel. Initially, my then-girlfriend (now my wife) would type my papers, as I wrote them by hand. This arrangement lasted until she insisted I learn to type for myself.
Coming from a modest background, I attended a state-funded college nearby. To me, college was simply college; I felt proud to be enrolled, and my family was thrilled. After graduating, I worked for a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program at a large state university, helping low-income, first-generation students. A recurring issue was students leaving for community colleges closer to home, often at the urging of their parents, who couldn’t see the distinction between a respected university and a two-year college. These were high-achieving students with stellar test scores and scholarships, yet they opted for what felt more familiar, even if it meant stepping down.
It’s crucial to note that community colleges play an essential role in education. However, when a child has the potential to excel, I believe it’s our responsibility as parents to encourage them to aim higher. Yet, the college landscape can appear daunting, and the thought of a child living far away can be frightening. If state universities struggle to retain low-income students, I can only imagine elite colleges face similar challenges.
The Feeling of Belonging
The second issue worthy of mention is the feeling of belonging. I earned a sufficient GPA and strong grad school entrance exam scores to apply to several elite institutions. However, fear of not fitting in held me back. I ultimately chose a state university in Minnesota for my graduate studies. I have no way of knowing if I would have been accepted elsewhere, but my anxiety prevented me from even attempting.
In my career, I’ve seen low-income and first-generation students with impressive credentials drop out due to discomfort in traditional university settings or refrain from applying to elite programs out of fear of inadequacy.
This dilemma becomes especially complex for me as a parent of three. Reflecting on my experiences and those of the students I’ve worked with, I often wonder how best to guide my own children through the college application process. My oldest is just 10 and thriving academically, yet I feel a wave of anxiety at the thought of him applying to colleges. It seems safest for him to apply to state schools, possibly the one where I work, as I know what to expect there. The thought of him applying to a prestigious institution like Harvard or Yale is daunting, reminiscent of my own fears during that time.
I recognize that these feelings are common among parents, particularly for those of us who are first-generation college graduates with no personal experience to draw from. The pressure—whether from family or self-imposed—can be overwhelming. The question remains: will we encourage our children to take that leap? Only time will tell.
For those interested in exploring options for family building, I recommend checking out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination. And if you’re curious about boosting fertility, take a look at our blog post on fertility boosters as well.
In summary, while top colleges struggle to attract highly qualified low-income students, the issues of awareness and belonging play significant roles in this challenge. As a parent, the anxiety surrounding my children’s future mirrors that of many first-generation college students, highlighting the importance of support and encouragement in their educational journeys.
Keyphrase: “attracting low-income students to elite colleges”
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]