Students Stepping Up

While the idea of test prep is still somewhat disappointing (idealistic bob wishes it weren't so important and life-consuming; realistic bob recognizes that at the end of the day, the SAT matters) I love this story in the NY Times about a student-led test prep class.

I love the story because so much of what we encounter in the admission office is over-involved parents: parents who make all the phone calls to the admission office, arrange all the visits, ask all the questions at the college fair, in the information session or on the tour, parents who actually complete the application, and then intercept the decision letter, and then lobby the admission counselor to change the decision when it's not favorable, etc.

I try and remind myself that this is better than the other extreme. These parents care about their kids and want the best for them...and that's better than parents who couldn't care less. But sometimes it's tough to keep that perspective. And don't get me wrong, I'm not at all advocating for parents to butt out of the process. My parents were invaluable resources, and if it weren't for their gentle nudges (and sometimes less than gentle shoves,) I would not have landed at the terrific school I attended. But it would be nice for the student to be a little more involved than we typically see.

My colleagues would agree that it's refreshing to see the students themselves stepping up to the plate--asking questions on campus, calling or emailing the admission counselor directly. The college search is often a rite of passage--the first big life decision in which a student is directly involved. Bravo to William Scott and his classmates for taking some ownership.