<p>You start talking about "change the world" and of course a song lyric pops into my head:</p>
<p>We can change the World.
Rearrange the World.</p>
<p>I can hear it, I can sing it, but I can't remember the name of the song, so I google it.... and, isn't this ironic???</p>
<p>Graham Nash, *CHICAGO * LOL!!!!!</p>
<p>Whether it is true or not, I think that the "illusions" or hyperbole, if you will that are conveyed by the institutions, if there is a semblance of truth in it, in MIT's case, it becomes a self-perpetuating prophecy. Idealists are more apt to be attracted to such institutions where they may find such peers. They, in turn, succeed and contribute to the reality of the illusion, which attracts more idealists.</p>
<p>The truth, as idad, has pointed out is that individuals are the most important factor, which I agree. Perhaps it is a test of willpower to resolve such ideals on one's own accord, but if an illusion (compounded by the beliefs of other students) helps to make them more tangible and obtainable. Ideals, are after all, things we cannot truly comprehend.</p>
<p>The point is not to truly achieve the ideal, but to strive towards it, and if illusions accomodates the process, then why not?</p>
<p>Anyways... hopefully that makes some sense. 3:40 AM - early action emails in 6 days and 13 hours... nervousness = sleeplessness.</p>
<p>
[quote]
We can change the World.
Rearrange the World.
[/quote]
Graham Nash, a member of the group that once painfully lamented:
[quote]
almost cut my hair
[/quote]
It is, it seems, far easier to change the world than your hairstyle;)
Though it should be said that the lot of them had VERY nice hair...even though fate has now caught up with Crosby: he's going bald.</p>
<p>Crosby is the one who wrote "Almost cut my hair". He jokes about it in concert these days. "Chicago" was on Graham Nash's solo album-great tune!</p>
<p>Audiophile, reaffirming my status.</p>
<p>Just checking the old cc board with my coffee in hand. I am usually pretty coherent, but I have no idea what Chancelor's 3:40am post means.</p>
<p>Maybe it will make more sense after the second cup !</p>
<p>Hey idad, I was so glad to see you cite the research of Krueger and Dale. Having attended first and second tier universities, visited hundreds of others and chosen a career in academe oh so many years ago, I can assure you that future success and distinction rests with the student to an overwhelming degree.</p>
<p>MIT is blessed with an amazingly talented ug student body which is destined to go into the world and achieve great things. But I attended grad school in a department filled with this calibre of scholar and soon realized that I was just a well prepared to tackle the challenges we faced in the classroom and lab.</p>
<p>Wow, such a long thread generated from one little quote in my blog. :-) I only wish the OP had shared the quote in proper context from the beginning. Thanks mootmom for your quote later in the thread:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Context: Marilee Jones, Dean of Admissions at MIT, made those comments to her Admissions team as they went into the final selection process for the Early Action applicants to MIT this year (as reported by Ben Jones of her staff). No press releases, no intent to impress anyone, rather an attempt to inspire and bring the Admissions staff into a particular frame of mind as they consider the applications before them.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That is 100% perfectly stated, and exactly how it happened.</p>
<p>If you ask me, the quote was meant not only to inspire us as we selected the class, but also just her way of reminding us that the work we do means something. The kids we're admitting are going to change the world, and by bringing them here we're a part of that, however small. Having not really had a day off since October, it was a perspective that I really needed at that moment. </p>
<p>I love working at MIT because I love the Institute itself, but I don't think I'd like my job half as much without Marilee Jones. She adds an unparalelled depth and humanity to the process. And most importantly, she cares deeply about every kid in our applicant pool, whether admitted or rejected. Our process really means something, and in that, inspires me every day in different ways.</p>
<p>Benjones,</p>
<p>Thank you for bringing perspective to this discussion. If you've followed these parents boards at all, I'm sure you've noticed the high level of tension and misunderstanding that follows this process.</p>
<p>I do have a great deal of sympathy for those involved in the middle of the admissions process. Thankfully, for some of us, it is well behind.</p>