Thoughts for Mid-American Mom and Dad

For parents and their children who are planning for college: an article from 'Inside Higher Education'(a very informative site in general, by the way), discussing the increasingly competitive environment for university admission.

It is a sobering read.

Eight years ago, I sat in meetings with a high-powered university financial administrator of a major public university. He had a certain black humor about his job, as it was his role to inform all the deans and department heads that the day was approaching(he estimated 12-15 years) when his institution would function as a private university. The twin realities of an inexorable shrinkange of the tax base and inexorably growing demand on those dollars(due to promises made by previous legislatures) could lead to no other conclusion. Every dean would have to think and act aggressively about how to attract and retain both development dollars and high-value students to their public, state-supported university.

He said it made him the most hated man on campus.

The only error in his message was the time-line he projected, shortened dramatically by the ongoing shift in the economy. The deans that took him at his word are weathering the storm. One in particular who did not heed advice is no longer a dean, and his successor has been playing 'catch-up' ever since.

So, Mid-American Mom and Dad, who may have gone to college in the 1980's or 1990's: It is a different world that your children are embarking upon.

Math scores really matter.

The ability to write and converse coherently in English really matters.

Grades, SAT, and ACT scores really matter. AP courses really matter.

Whether your kid had a wonderful time in the umpteen kiddie soccer and softball programs now dangled before you does not matter.

University admission, with substantial scholarship assistance, is not a slam-dunk assumption, and your child's competitor may well be sitting in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangalore, or Capetown.

I can assure you, his/her family is paying attention to the list cited above.