<p>This is a very good essay from a Harvard alumnus who now does interviews for Harvard and his perspective on the fact that after a decade of doing this only one kid out of the forty or so he has interviewed has gotten in. This was my favorite part:</p>
<p>"But Ive stopped feeling bad about the looming rejection. When my four were little, I used to hope a couple might go to Harvard. I pushed them, but by the end of middle school it was clear my twins, at least, were not made that way. They rebelled, and I had to learn to see who they were.</p>
<p>I came to understand that my own focus on Harvard was a matter of not sophistication but narrowness. I grew up in an unworldly blue-collar environment. Getting perfect grades and attending an elite college was one of the few ways up I could see."</p>
<p>My four have been raised in an upper-middle-class world. They look around and see lots of avenues to success. My wifes two brothers struggled as students at mainstream colleges and both have made wonderful full lives, one as a salesman, the other as a builder. Each found his own best path. Each knows excellence."</p>
<p>Thanks WOMMom- saw article in LI section of NY Times. Glad you posted it as it was very interesting. Also there is a very good and lenghthy article in today's Long Island Newsday.
It's actually the front page article-- "College Admissions Toughest Year Ever!!" Very good advice from LI College counselors- like find a few colleges the DO NOT use Commom Application. Common App is swamping admissions departments due to so many more kids applying to those schools. </p>
<p>If anyone can link up todays's Newsday article, I think it would be very helpful and interesting to alot of you!!</p>
<p>My college admission days are over. D # 1 will soon be college senior and I'm spending more time on Law School Admission sites!!</p>
<p>Thanks WOMMom-<br>
I think the most important thing to learn from these articles- is that even if your kid may at first be a bit disappointed with their choice, most kids learn to adjust and thrive in their new environment.</p>
<p>Good luck to all and especially to the new College Confidential class of 2012. I may not be around too much for you guys- but on occassion, I may chime in to help another NY kid. What can I say- I have a "soft spot" for my fellow New Yorker's. We don't get too much love on these boards--
Marny</p>
<p>Both my parents grew up in blue-collar neighborhoods - getting almost perfect grades - and commuted to their state schools. One is a rocket scientist and the other a partner at a consulting firm. </p>
<p>I think it is disgusting how much prestige these top institutions have. For most of us, they are nothing but a royal ripoff. It sure doesn't mention that in the article ;). I would be more interested in a column, "Young, Gifted, and Yes, I AM Snubbing Harvard".</p>
<p>But I'll settle for preachy-ness about enjoying life.</p>
<p>Why the chip on the shoulder? Somebody has to be ranked #1. Some of us think its disgusting how much press U of Miami gets for winning football games. I would think aspiring to the top academic schools would be applauded on a college discussion board.</p>
<p>The corrupt nature of the US News Rankings aside...</p>
<p>Aspiring to go to the #1, most prestigious school ever is just gross. Aspiring to cure cancer or save the world is okay, though. All colleges are businesses, and Harvard is more of a rip-off than most unless you qualify for some solid financial aid. </p>
<p>It's not a chip on the shoulder, it's reality - at least the newspapers aren't feeding you junk when they say UMiami is good at football. UMiami is good at football. Is Harvard good at giving their students the best education and the best opportunities post-graduation? At the ridiculous price they charge, the answer is, eh, no.</p>