<p>Interesting topic. The college prep process is not "fair" from so many different standpoints - probably like real life, I guess. Some kids get to go to really top private schools for reasons earned...or not. Some students go to high schools where hardly any AP's are offered. Some schools have "gatekeepers" who prevent just anyone from even taking the AP classes that are offered. You don't have an A in 9th grade social studies, you don't get to even try your luck at AP US History in 10th. Some schools have amazing teachers who are advisors for clubs, and they inform students and parents about cool opportunities like competitions and elite summer programs where things can be won which create big hooks. Maybe they are Ivy League themselves and prepare the kids really well to own these competitive situations. Some kids go to schools where pretty much no one has even heard of RSI and things like that. I think this is why adcoms are so amazed by kids who came from nothing in terms of a nurturing prep environment (at home or at school), yet still find and create opportunities for themselves.</p>
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If the school is creating this kind of program it should be available to more students, not just one....</p>
<p>If the students weren't aware, doesn't that show the school is favoring one student with their resources over dozens of others?
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No, it doesn't, unless they would have refused other kids who tried to create their own program.</p>
<p>You know, a lot of the carping I read here reminds me of the story of the grandfather who's going to take his grandson crabbing. The big morning comes and grandpa shows up with shovels and a bucket. "There's no lid on the bucket! They'll all get away" says the grandson. No need, says grandpa with a wry smile. The crabs in the bucket will grab any trying to climb out. So true in human life, too...</p>