<p>The</a> American Scholar - The Disadvantages of an Elite Education - By William Deresiewicz</p>
<p>Our best universities have forgotten that the reason they exist is to make minds, not careers.</p>
<p>welll tell that to those of us at chicago!</p>
<p>Interesting article...I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I've actually been thinking about some of the points the writer mentioned as I prepare to head off to an "elite institution" myself.</p>
<p>I disagree with some of what the author says. I think elite schools are becoming more diverse, not more homogeneous. In the 1960s, how many low income students attended Harvard? I'm guessing the number isn't high. </p>
<p>I also believe that the author contradicts himself on one point. Early in the article, he says that people who attend public universities are getting a "wholesale" education, stripped of the "individually wrapped packages" that are commonplace at elite schools. Then, toward the end of the article, he focuses on students finding their "true callings." If you're getting a wholesale education at Cleveland State, what opportunity is there to find yourself? A school that caters to the desires of the students is a better school, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Finally, I also believe that it's not really the education that prevents people from seeing other perspectives on life. It's the lifestyle. For instance, since I'm from a blue collar area in Ohio, I never really talk to rich and educated people, aside from a few relatives. My parents both have blue collar jobs, as do the parents of my friends. I may have no idea what to say to an investment banker if one were to come to my house. I'm sure I'd think of something, but I don't have that kind of experience. My education is not responsible for that. It's merely an issue of upbringing.</p>
<p>All of that aside, I really did enjoy this article, and it made me consider some points I've never considered before.</p>
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Early in the article, he says that people who attend public universities are getting a "wholesale" education, stripped of the "individually wrapped packages" that are commonplace at elite schools. Then, toward the end of the article, he focuses on students finding their "true callings." If you're getting a wholesale education at Cleveland State, what opportunity is there to find yourself?
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<p>I think what the author is trying to say is that the elite schools coddle and cultivate you... so that you become an i-banker, an affluent alumnus and a valuable future contributor to the school's endowment. At the other extreme are the huge public universities where nobody gives a damn what you become. No happy medium anywhere.</p>
<p>^I understood it that way too. But if nobody cares about what you become, how can you find yourself? I think there has to be a balance between the two.</p>
<p>so the disavantages are being able to buy something you want, and not become homeless?</p>
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so the disavantages are being able to buy something you want, and not become homeless?
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<p>You can buy (some) stuff you want and have a home with even just a high school degree.</p>
<p>the problem isn't an elite education, it's being an elitist</p>
<p>Since my background is blue-collar, I don't see myself becoming like the author at all. Even if I went to Princeton undergrad and Harvard Law School, I think I'd still be able to talk to my plumber. An elite education doesn't teach students to be ignorant of their surroundings.</p>