I'm starting to get disillusioned with this whole college "game."

College Confidential Community
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<p>First of all--because I'm sure some of you will be quick to note and ask it--yes, I am disillusioned more than partially because I myself have been rejected and waitlisted a few too many times and otherwise would be happier with the system. Therefore yes I am extremely biased and perhaps rather sour, but I am also extremely convinced that my views are not unique and that you as the reader are probably biased as well. </p>

<p>Though incredibly disillusioning, however, the college admissions system /does/ provide much of the adolescent division of "progress" in our communities. For example: if not for college less people would join Key Club/National Honor Society and provide service to the community around them. Less children in poor countries would get food/clothing/housing if not for college. If not for college a lot of people would be lazier, fatter, and less creative because they would not join things like varsity athletics and marching band. The entire educational and AP system, too, would be in quite a bind if no students felt the incentive to study hard or even take Advanced Placement or Honors classes. Heck, companies like Collegeboard, Princeton Review, and even College Confidential would be in pretty shabby shape if not for this lovely college system.</p>

<p>I find this rather sad. Metaphorically speaking, if there were a famine and all the dangling carrots ran out, no one would do anything and progress would take a hit in the gut. </p>

<p>Of course this is not to say that there aren't people who do their activities out of pure sincerity--I'm just saying that people who are indeed sincere are pretty darn rare given the sheer amount of people who calculatingly pile activities onto their resume in order to construct a facade of caring. But it is the sincere people who deserve to get into "quality" colleges, not the people with thousands of pseudo-meaningful activities and pretty numbers. </p>

<p>Or perhaps I am just a disillusioned, formerly naive idealist. </p>

<p>^If you read that I'm impressed. Respond if you care.</p>

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<p>Not too much I can add to the subject. Except we are obsessed with numbers and approval of others. The roles of University in our community has changed. It used to be that only those genuinely interested in knowledge would attend university now it is a requirement to make a living. That has forced a lot of change. For better or for worst.</p>

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<p>overachiver1000-I agree 1000%; Also, where is the emphasis on actually HS classes and merit? Seems overshadowed by EC, CS, Summer internships and College Board scores. Love of learning seems to be out the window, instead marketing and ticking off the “hot” button attributes for college is most important. Does Admissions look at tip top student and say “it’s all been done. So what?” then it’s a lottery - with ability to pay weighing in, too. Can’t believe fin. aid doesn’t matter in some admissions offices. It appears to have changed so much in the last 20 years - not to mention the cost…I agree with the movement to weigh the cost vs. actual job prospects. Try to avoid crushing debt just for the “bumper sticker” name recognition.</p>

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<p>@ all of you–I actually agree wholeheartedly. Mad props to the OP for an awesome speech. </p>

<p>Bumping this for this year’s lil’ prospies so they have something to chew on as they type up those apps…</p>