Parenting can feel like a relentless journey. One moment, we’re guiding our little ones through potty training, and the next, we’re navigating the complexities of their college applications. For parents of high school students, this phase can be particularly overwhelming—mentally and financially.
Questions abound: Are they enrolled in enough AP classes? Will that B- in Physics jeopardize their chances? Should they prepare for both the SAT and ACT? Are test prep courses really necessary, and can we even afford them? Amidst this barrage of worries centered on grades and standardized tests, a critical question often gets overlooked: What kind of individuals are we raising? Are they compassionate and responsible? Will they contribute positively to society, or are they just high achievers devoid of empathy?
Thankfully, colleges are beginning to recognize that character should play a significant role in the admissions process, alongside academic performance. A report titled Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good Through College Admissions, released in January by Making Caring Common—an initiative of the Harvard Graduate School of Education—emphasizes this shift. Lead author Richard Weissbourd outlines vital, yet frequently neglected, aspects of a student’s college application.
The report advocates that colleges should evaluate whether applicants are engaged citizens who contribute positively to their families and communities. Weissbourd’s team suggests that admissions committees should prioritize character over mere numbers, even if it means reducing the emphasis on AP courses and test scores. “The admissions process should signal that concern for others and the common good are highly valued,” the report asserts, urging schools to define what types of service and engagement foster responsible citizenship.
As part of their application, students should highlight their contributions to society—whether through volunteering, aiding at local charities, or caring for family members. The report emphasizes that producing graduates who excel academically yet lack a sense of community responsibility is not sustainable for society.
Another point made in the report is that a sole focus on academic achievement creates an uneven playing field. Privileged students often have access to resources that enable them to achieve higher grades and test scores. What about students like Alex from a nearby town, who juggles a part-time job to support his family instead of participating in extracurricular activities? Shouldn’t he have an equal chance at college admission? Increasingly, colleges are beginning to agree.
Weissbourd’s findings suggest that admissions should place greater emphasis on service and responsibility, encouraging students to engage in long-term community projects rather than superficial volunteer hours. The goal is to inspire genuine involvement and personal growth rather than just checking boxes on an application.
Additionally, the report advocates for the prioritization of quality over quantity in extracurricular activities. Instead of feeling pressured to accumulate numerous achievements, students can focus on one sport or club, reflecting on how these experiences have shaped their character and leadership skills.
For this shift to be effective, it is crucial that a majority of colleges adopt this perspective. If most institutions continue to prioritize a checklist of grades and test scores, the renewed focus on character and citizenship is unlikely to take root. However, if schools collectively commit to this new approach, the benefits could extend to society as a whole.
Since the release of the report by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, it appears that institutions such as Yale and the University of Virginia are also on board with this transformative approach. Let’s hope this trend continues to gain momentum, reshaping the college admissions landscape.
As a parent who will soon face the college application labyrinth, I genuinely hope this shift persists. I want my children to excel academically and acquire impressive credentials. Yet, more importantly, I want them to be kind, compassionate individuals. I don’t care about their AP calculus scores if they don’t show kindness to others.
It’s heartening to see colleges acknowledging the significance of character in their admissions decisions—it’s about time we focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals. For those interested in further exploring topics related to family planning and home insemination, you might find this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination helpful. Additionally, for aspiring parents, consider checking out this cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit.
Summary
Harvard’s recent report emphasizes the importance of character and citizenship in college admissions, suggesting that colleges should prioritize applicants’ contributions to society alongside academic achievements. This shift aims to create a more equitable and compassionate admissions process, ensuring that future graduates are not only high achievers but also good citizens.