Thinking 鈥渂ig picture鈥� about college admissions
February 23, 2014
In their quest for acceptance, college applicants often fail to see the bigger picture.聽 They obsess over 鈥済etting in,鈥� while ignoring current realities about the value and role of an undergraduate education. 聽These realities should play a central, rather than ancillary, part in the college choice process because, when considered, they can help students circumvent the聽听补苍诲听聽that currently plague聽.聽 Before deciding on a college and course of study, students (and their parents) need to account for the following truths:
A college degree, while necessary, is no longer sufficient for entry into a 鈥渃ollege-level鈥� job. In today鈥檚 economy, skills and/or relevant experience matter as much or more than a diploma, primarily because a diploma doesn鈥檛 mean what it used to.聽 Although demand for college-level work has grown, many new degree-holders have failed to acquire college-level skills, resulting in聽聽among recent graduates.聽 聽For example, today鈥檚 college grads are聽. 聽In light of these trends, it is essential that today鈥檚 college applicants plan for more than admission, and use the admissions process to explore the academic programs that lead to learning and distinction, not just a degree.
A graduate degree is required for entry into many of the most sought after professions.聽聽This fact should compel applicants to adopt a long-term view and think strategically about where and how they pursue a college education.聽 For instance, students with ambitions to enter law or medicine should prioritize undergraduate affordability and performance over prestige, given the costs of a professional degree and given聽聽that college brand plays (to grades and test scores) in the graduate admissions process.聽 Aspiring doctors and lawyers, along with would-be professors and scientists, should also realize that graduate credentials, not undergraduate name, will determine their job prospects.
College is more expensive now than ever before.聽聽Rising college costs have left many graduates (and dropouts) with excessive loan burden and little opportunity to pay down debts. Their hardships are often attributed to decisions made (or not made) during the admissions process.聽 For example, they choose colleges or academic programs that offer limited returns; do not adequately research financial aid opportunities; and/or do not consider their career plans before shelling out thousands of dollars for a postsecondary education (Do you really need to attend a private college if you want to become a social worker? How about a teacher?).聽 Many聽, and their regrets should serve to remind current applicants that their college choices have long term consequences.
In the coming months, 国产第一福利影院草草 will release its聽鈥淪o you want to be a鈥︹��聽blog series, which is designed to help students adopt a more comprehensive and consumer-savvy approach to the college admissions process. Each entry will focus on a particular profession, and will strive to highlight the career-related activities and considerations that lead to sound college decisions. Please stay tuned.
