<p>In loco parentis, after all.</p>
<p>Both disturbing and comforting. Strange that it was kept under the radar for so long.</p>
<p>Why is it such a big deal or so surprising or "disturbing"? The Crimson, I thought, overplayed it as some sort of "expose" because they stumbled on an e-mail not intended for them. Absurd.</p>
<p>In order to rationalize the selection process, and to learn how reliable such factors as SAT scores, etc. may be or not be, the admissions people must of course attempt follow up to see how admits with various characteristics have performed.</p>
<p>If they neglected to do this, they would be derelict in their duty.</p>
<p>Were you aware of the practice before the Crimson article? I know a lot of students who were very surprised.</p>
<p>Did you read the comments the proctor made about the students? Perhaps this was a proctor misinterpreting the request, or overstepping his/her bounds, but it seemed to show a lack of respect and consideration for the students---more gossipy than constructive in my opinion.</p>
<p>To clarify, I think the idea in general is great, but more instruction should be given to proctors about the type of feedback that's appropriate. I'm glad that the whole process is now out in the open.</p>
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<p>I know a lot of students who were very surprised.</p>
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<p>Really? I thought it was common knowledge that admissions and advising have some back-and-forth. I saw all three of my applications in my senior tutor's file.</p>
<p>Agreed. </p>
<p>The process is sensible and of long standing. </p>
<p>One assumes that the admissions office can separate the wheat from the chaff in a communication from a proctor in the same way it regularly separates the wheat from the chaff in letters of recommendation or counsellor's comments submitted with the student's application. </p>
<p>What doesn't need to happen is for the Crimson, in more gossipy than constructive fashion, to print such comments in the newspaper simply because they have stumbled on an e-mail message not intended for them.</p>
<p>In expressing these views to you candidly, "just forget me", I hasten to add that I have great respect for your views, and am well aware of the old aphorism that "it never pays to get into an argument with anyone who buys ink by the barrell!"</p>
<p>I'm not sure if we're really disagreeing on anything of substance. </p>
<p>Whether the Crimson printed the emails comments or not isn't really that imporat--the students + proctor weren't identified. Since there is no damage done, and the comments are clearly interesting (created a buzz on campus), why not publish them? I think they have a constructive purpose too--maybe causing proctors to rethink the manner in which they discuss their students.</p>
<p>As for your last comment, I have no idea what you're getting at. Are you referencing your own multi-thousand post count?</p>
<p>I was more thinking of your professional affiliation :)</p>
<p>You may well be correct that the Crimson playing this up in the way they did will "cause proctors to rethink the manner in which they discuss their students." Whether that is good or bad - for them or for the admissions process - is another issue.</p>
<p>The upshot, I fear, may well be that proctors and others will be less candid and more guarded in their comments. The admissions office will thus have less reliable information about which characteristics among applicants are generally reflected in strong performances by those admitted.</p>
<p>It will be particularly hurtful to muzzle those in a position to supply helpful comments at that very moment in history when Harvard is hoping to look beyond SAT scores in evaluating potential applicants from the lowest economic quadrant, and from groups underrepresented among the student body, to create a diverse class representative of the country as a whole.</p>
<p>Ohhh okay. There's a wall between business and content!</p>
<p>Perhaps you could pass my grumpy sentiments along to a budding "content provider" of our acquaintance!</p>
<p>We actually already talked about it.</p>
<p>There's also <a href="mailto:letters@thecrimson.com">letters@thecrimson.com</a>, of course.</p>
<p>he may be a little reluctant to go that route again...</p>
<p>When I write to the Crimson I get action!</p>