<p>I think a lot of the Harvard "myths " were started by non - Harvard people with a “sour grapes” attitude . My Sophomore D has been very happy so far - her only complaint is that many of the clubs ,such as singing groups , are near impossible to get into ! When we as parents had a few non-academic concerns they were immediately dealt with . We feel that the undergrad experience so far has been excellent .</p>
<p>I have only read this book’s reviews but agree that the moral character of students collectively at both of my kids’ Ivy schools is regrettable. Halfway through first term, three of D’s four suitemates had been admitted and treated for alcohol poisoning. I think reckless drinking and other character issues are a reflection of societal ills and perhaps most colleges feel helpless to remedy. Discussions on other threads about such behaviors leads me to believe that parents are about evenly split over higher education’s role in molding character versus providing a safety net for “sowing wild oats” antics. Moral decline is a universal problem on which some would hope an institution like Harvard would at least try to solve, but I think it’s more than any one institution can address alone. </p>
<p>It is ironic to me, though, that selective schools tout “character” as a dimension considered in admission.</p>