There’s a recurring theme in discussions surrounding elite colleges – notably, why prestigious institutions like Harvard and Amherst fail to attract low-income, high-achieving students. A 2013 article titled “Better Colleges Failing to Lure Talented Poor” sheds light on this issue, revealing that many qualified students don’t even submit applications, despite the availability of grants and scholarships aimed at easing the financial burden of attending expensive private colleges.
As someone who was once a low-income, first-generation college student, this topic resonates deeply with me. While I have since earned an advanced degree and now work at a university, my children are being raised in a lower-middle-class household. I often ponder whether my educational choices will affect their futures.
Two significant points from that article struck me, reflecting my personal experiences and those of the students I have worked with.
Lack of Awareness
First is the lack of awareness about the differences between colleges. I didn’t start my college journey until I was 21. Although I graduated high school (barely), I had no typing skills and had never read a novel. My girlfriend, who later became my wife, typed my papers for me during my first semester. For me, college was simply college, and I felt proud to be attending, regardless of the institution’s prestige.
During my three years working for a TRIO Student Support Services Program at a large state university, I encountered numerous low-income, first-generation students who excelled in high school but opted to transfer to a nearby community college. Their parents often couldn’t distinguish between a respected university and a community college. This was especially disheartening, considering many of these students had impressive test scores and scholarships that could have supported their university education.
Of course, community colleges play a vital role in higher education. However, if a child has the potential to achieve more, it’s crucial for us as parents to encourage them to pursue those opportunities. The daunting prospect of a child moving away for college can be intimidating, especially for families unfamiliar with the university landscape. If state universities struggle to retain low-income students, it’s likely elite colleges face similar challenges.
Feeling of Belonging
The second issue not thoroughly examined in the article is the feeling of belonging. After completing my undergraduate studies with a solid GPA and good graduate exam scores, I considered applying to several prestigious schools. Yet, fear of not fitting in held me back. Ultimately, I opted for a state university in Minnesota for my graduate studies. I still don’t know if I would have been accepted elsewhere, but the anxiety of not belonging was enough to deter me from applying.
I have witnessed firsthand how low-income and first-generation students with remarkable credentials sometimes withdraw from university life due to discomfort or apprehension about fitting into a traditional academic environment.
Reflections as a Parent
As a father of three, I find myself reflecting on my experiences and the challenges faced by the students I’ve worked with, particularly when it comes to advising my own children on college applications. My oldest is just 10 and performing exceptionally well in school. However, the thought of him applying to college fills me with anxiety. I instinctively want him to feel comfortable, perhaps applying to the same state school where I work. The idea of him applying to a prestigious institution like Harvard or Yale feels daunting, much like it did for me.
This struggle to break the cycle of low-income, first-generation backgrounds is all too real. I want my children to have more opportunities than I did, to excel, and to become better educated. Yet, the thought of them navigating the application process for elite colleges causes me the same unease my mother felt when I moved from Utah to Minnesota for graduate school.
While these feelings of anxiety are common among parents, they are particularly pronounced for first-generation college students who lack the resources and experiences to guide them. The question remains: will we, as parents, be able to encourage our children to take that leap of faith? Only time will tell.
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In summary, the gap between elite colleges and low-income, high-achieving students remains a pressing issue. By understanding the barriers these students face, we can better support them in their pursuit of higher education.