<p>Dear parents,</p>
<p>I am the dean of the McCormick School of Engineering, but I am also a parent. I know that when my children were in college, there was not a day that I did not think about them. With this experience in mind, I want to take an opportunity to write to you during this final exam period, which can be a stressful time on campus. </p>
<p>I just sent a note to our students, and I want to share some of the same messages with you. Some of you may have received a similar message in the past, but I want to share it again during this busy time.</p>
<p>We are lucky here. Our admissions selectivity has gone through the roof and we get an amazing stream of talented students. I am often in awe at the energy, intellect, and creativity that they bring to this place.</p>
<p>But there is a downside to this level of success. Everyone here was at the top of their game in high school. College may be the first time that they struggle to master their work. Despite many discussions and warnings, our students are often their own worst critics and set expectations based on their performance in high school. Being surrounded by others of the same caliber is tremendously beneficial, but can also be daunting.</p>
<p>As dean, I see how hard some students are on themselves and often feel like shouting “Many of our alumni who have achieved the most success left Northwestern with far less than perfect records!” Engineering is not easy path, but the rewards are many. We all need to recalibrate our viewpoint once in a while.</p>
<p>I want to ensure you that our students are not alone in this journey, and that we are committed to their success. But just as courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in the face of it, so is success is the ability to bounce back after a setback. You all know this, but it is hard lesson to learn when one is young and when we have students who come to us with perfect records. </p>
<p>As parents, some of you may find your sons and daughters struggling with parts of the academic experience. Our message to them is that perfection is not the goal of an engineering curriculum, in fact it is sometimes the opposite. In order for students to find their limits, they must at times surpass them.</p>
<p>We are incredibly fortunate to have your sons and daughters here, and it is a privilege to participate in their maturation. </p>
<p>Best regards,</p>
<p>Julio M. Ottino</p>
<p>Dean, R.R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Northwestern University</p>