I agree with Schwartz in his article when he says that getting into certain schools is more of a competition rather than a true depiction of one’s strengths and weaknesses. From birth, some parents want the best for their children. While that is understandable, some parents go too far out of their way paying thousands of dollars to help their child be “the best”. From this, children learn quick fixes rather than having pride in both their strengths and flaws. Parents push their children so much that it is all they are used to. Schwartz makes a valid point when he states, “Students choose classes that play to their strengths, to get easy A's, rather than classes that might correct their weaknesses or nurture new interests” (Schwartz). They then learn to only take classes they know they will do well in and do not challenge themselves in the more demanding classes they are unfamiliar with.
Just because your child doesn’t get into Yale or Harvard, does not mean they will never succeed in life. A student who attends a community college has the potential to make more money and be more successful than a Harvard graduate. In fact, a study done shows that at first the Harvard graduate with the same degree as a community college student will make more money, but within five years, their salary will equal. Therefore, if your child truly is brilliant, Ivy Leagues are just a way to showcase their strengths in a more revered way. But, if your child does not have the grades to get into one, there are other ways to make their way in the world.
Rachel, you talk about a good point when you say that it doesn't show their true strengths and weaknesses. People are so worried about having their grades 'look good' to colleges that they focus all their attention on it and this isn't an accurate representation of who they are as a student. When you talk about how it is effecting the future of children and how we deal with problems, I agree when you say that parents are pushing children too much, and that all the money they spend on extra tutoring or 'donating to colleges' to get in.
Children are forcing themselves into fields they don't like so they can get into colleges that force them even more into boxes they don't want to be in. It's really amazing that people think that only Ivy League colleges will get your child a good, high paying job. You shouldn't have to pay all that money for the same education you can get at every other college. There are definitely other options a parent should look at before making their child a 'model student' with 'perfect grades', because maybe, that isn't actually what they want. If they can get a job from going to a normal college, why should they pay 50,000$ more a year?
Posted by: Victoria Clithero | 04/13/2011 at 10:56 AM
Your views are similar to what I described in my type pad response. I agree colleges cannot pick through just grades a person that is a good candidate many people in the world are well rounded. Whether the parents push the students to be there best or not, students either have the grades and overall character to get in or not. In the cases students are not able to get into the college of their choice, community college represents a great alternative to a university or distinguished college. While it might not be a student's dream school, it gives you the basics. I agree when you say that parents are pushing children too much, and that all the money they spend on extra tutoring or 'donating to colleges' to get in. Children are forcing themselves into fields they don't like so they can get into colleges that force them even more into boxes they don't want to be in. We as students must realize that it is our first priority to receive a good education, and other things such as jobs, sports, and fun should be sometimes set aside as a second priority. I’m not promoting a boring and academic life style by any means. A school is unable to tell just how intelligent or talented a student is by the transcripts they receive until the student is accepted and enrolled in their school. It is only then where they tend to realize the intense competition to create the nicest resume or transcript took place. Students tend to choose classes where they know they will succeed, rather than those they may be interested in or could learn something new. In this instance, they sacrifice taking a risk and learning/expanding their intellect for a simple way to pass, or to look best on paper.
Posted by: Zacmedeiros11 | 04/13/2011 at 11:10 AM