<p>The class of 2008 high school students have been going through the most competitive admission season in United States history, and maybe by now they and their parents have some opinions about how college admission could be made better. Bring 'em on. What would you suggest as a general change in the admission system, or as a specific change in the practices at some college you applied to? What aspect of the current system most needs change? </p>
<p>All opinions are welcome. I thought I'd keep this very open-ended so we can all discuss a lot of different ideas.</p>
<p>I think that the level of competition is so intense that people are driven to apply to more schools, and this in turn makes it even more competitive. For schools at the very top maybe we should do something like what they do in the UK. Students can not apply to both Oxford, and Cambridge. Why not make it so you can only apply to one of HYPSMC? Or only one ivy? This would drastically increase the chances of qualified candidates, since most applicants apply to more than one of these schools if they apply to any. I can't think of another feasible way of cutting the competition down. The problem is that more applicants means less seats, and nothing is going to alter the growing number attending college anytime soon. </p>
<p>I realize there are enormous problems with this idea. Colleges are private in many cases, it hinders freedom of choice, and a host of other things pop to mind. I really think it would make things less stressful for a lot of people though.</p>
<p>The problem isn't going to be fixed through legislation, but through cultural reform.</p>
<p>The problem of college admissions is fundamentally the same as any economic allocation, and thus is not going to be fixed through government action but through cultural institutions.</p>
<p>My beef with college admissions: some don't allow you to apply online. And those that allow you to but only inform you of the decision by mail. I'm a big fan of online status checks.</p>
<p>It's the reason I crossed Georgetown off my list. IMO, having to mail in everything is ridiculous with the technology we have.</p>
<p>Actually, Early Decision is probably the biggest problem in admissions right now.</p>
<p>Some families need to be able to compare financial aid packages, which is something that Early Decision simply does not let you do. It's just not fair to those of us who can't put blind faith in a college and throw over $200K down the drain.</p>
<p>I think they should make it mandatory to interview. Like the colleges can go on a nationwide tour after applications have been submitted, and interview prospective applicants. That way they can get a better picture of whose really interested, and whose just applying to the school as a back up. </p>
<p>Some people on paper look great, but in person may not contribute to their environment, whether it be because they're anti social or simply not interested in the college.</p>
<p>Get rid of the common application. It makes it too easy to apply to a million places and makes yield too difficult to predict -- hence the waiting list.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Students can not apply to both Oxford, and Cambridge. Why not make it so you can only apply to one of HYPSMC? Or only one ivy? This would drastically increase the chances of qualified candidates, since most applicants apply to more than one of these schools if they apply to any. I can't think of another feasible way of cutting the competition down. The problem is that more applicants means less seats, and nothing is going to alter the growing number attending college anytime soon.
[/quote]
This wouldn't work. It will still be the same number of applicants applying for the same number of spots because colleges enroll the same number of students either way. There would be no decrease of competition there- perhaps only less mind numbing paperwork because students can only fill out one application. Besides, there are kids who need to compare financial aid packages- it would not be fair for them to have their options limited.</p>
<p>^And, if I may add, it would lead to Harvard getting many times more applications than the other schools because, unlike Oxford and Cambridge, HYPSMC are not created equal.</p>
<p>in response to your post #8, suggest ED at the top ~15 private colleges....</p>
<p>igellar: Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have publicly discounted their costs, even for upper income families. With the new finaid policies, there is no reason NOT to ED. But, so they don't completely fill the class, I suggest a ED cap.</p>
<p>Get rid of those stupid top 10% of high schools get into certain state schools. All high schools are NOT created equally and it isn't fair that #2 at large School A get s in with a 1500 SAT while #20 at small School B (more competitve) doesn't get in with a 2300. Also, lower the price for applying for some of these schools! I know kids who couldn't afford to apply to certain colleges but did not qualify for waivers.</p>
<p>Make the common app truly a common app. No more supplements with 5 additional essays.
Unlike a previous poster, I don't like interviews. They are mostly given by alums and not every student is offered an interview. Somehow the whole interview process doesn't seem fair if not everyone gets one and the types of interviewers can be very different.</p>