Harvard student to be deported from US?

[DwightEisenhower]

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As my daughter’s mother, I of course think the world of her but I realize that had she not been admitted to Harvard’s class of 2013 (or had she turned them down), Harvard’s world would not have ended. Some other talented young person would be there in her stead. If I am willing to state this about my own child, then I should be allowed to unfortunately extrapolate that had Eric not been admitted and someone else had, the class of 2013 would still be an outstanding group (please everyone understand that this is no judgement on Eric, I do not know him).

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<p>Of course the class of 2013 would still be an outstanding group. Of course the person admitted in place of Eric (or whomever) would still be talented and a contribution to the campus. I am not proposing that those who received Harvard acceptance letters in April 2009 are the only people who could thrive in a Harvard environment. I’m merely saying that, in the eyes of Harvard admissions, those people were the best choices and by that very definition were more qualified. I don’t see how anyone could argue the contrary unless they believed that there is some sort of raw luck in the admissions process. I don’t believe that. Subjectivity, sure. But pure, random luck of the draw? I don’t think anyone is drawing straws over in Cambridge.</p>

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I am sure for you Dwight that the experience may be little different from the rest of us. I am assuming that, since you are in the same class and same dorm, you likely know Eric and the idea of his never being admitted and being someone you never knew is a difficult one. For those of us who have no personal connection, he is just another applicant like any other.

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<p>I actually didn’t know him well. I just find it hard to believe that given that some factor made some people receive an acceptance letter and some not, it is legitimate to say that Eric or anyone else “took up a spot.” He (and they) earned it by gaining admission, while someone that was rejected has no further claim to that spot. This isn’t to say that they’re less intelligent or less poised for success. If it were up to me, I could think of plenty of people more deserving of my spot than me. But I guess my point is that, it’s a different story in Harvard’s eyes.</p>

<p>I don’t mean to sound like I don’t understand your position. I do. I’ve argued it in the past. I’m just not as confident in its tenability anymore. But you are certainly arguing your point well.</p>