Amid recession, some college admissions policies look at students' wealth
By Steven Brint
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Summary
The economic downturn is affecting the admission decisions of most universities in the USA. Recently some universities are admitting more international students or reserving seats for wealthy students only. The reason why this happens is higher tuition and fewer endowments. As a result, schools are suffering from financial crisis and had to take in more full-paid students. Some other schools are carrying on the need-blind policy while enrolling more overseas students. The wealthy students have also brought some problems and affected the quality of higher education, which is a controversy issue these days. Meanwhile, some private universities are going in the opposite direction and trying to provide good education to students from normal families.
Reflection
There is nothing wrong for the universities to adjust their admission policies in order to get over the economic crisis. This is what they have to do to make the schools run properly. On one hand, it is really a pity for those excellent students to miss the chance of receiving higher education just because they cannot afford the high tuition. But gold will glitter wherever it is. There are still a lot of chances waiting for those people who work hard. On the other hand, the changes in policies have provided a good opportunity for international students. They can experience a different kind of study and life. Schools can also have better source of students and achieve cultural diversity on campus.
I do not think that the changes in admission policy will damage the whole generation. The majority of top university students are still those with great academic performance. But of course I do respect the schools that trying to go in the opposite direction and provide more students from low- and moderate-income families with education. From my point of view, what to do depends on the different situations of universities.
Your response to the news is spot on and concise, the ideas flow smoothly with various usage of words and connectors. The response to the article focuses on arguing that the adjustment of admission policies of universities is good for both university and student. Your argument is reasonable, well-supported and persuasive. I do agree with you that it’s not colleges’ fault to adjust their admission policy under this situation. Only through making use of their tuition can they operate properly and provide high quality education. In addition, I do appreciate those need-aware colleges who keep an eye on those talents of humble background. In my opinion, the basic aim of a university is to provide a platform on which brilliant brains from all walks of the society gather together and get matured and cultivated by knowledge. However difficult it might be, it’s the duty of the university to make the platform possible for everyone.
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ReplyDeletePhyllis’s summary is smooth and lucid, and the reflection is integrated and balanced. Though admitted that ‘gold will glitter wherever it is ’， I consider it unfair for universities not to use need-base policy. It is because that we human are born equal and should have the same right of education, which means students, no matter rich or poor, talent or not, should receive education as long as they are eager to. In addition, people should never forget the initial intention of education is to bestow human with ability of attainment, and this process learning, will definitely assist us in stepping forward and overcoming obstacles on our way—scientific technology, literature, arts, etc. Moreover, this seemly deficit situation will be paid back in the future if those universities can foster talents students who lack financial support with less consideration of ‘money’. Either they may become scientists or any type of elites who can contribute to the society or they may become celebrated alumni who will donate their universities. Therefore, in a long run, it is necessary for universities to tight their belt and overcome this period but not sacrifice the future of students.
In order to get through the economic downturn, it is necessary for universities to make some adjustment in their admission policies. However, I don't think it can be the reason for the college to reserve seats for wealthy students and enroll foreign students regardless of a lot of intelligent students is waiting for the higher education. The most important purpose of a university is to give good education to those who need it and deserve it. Universities can never give the green light to wealthy students just for their money because it violates the purpose and responsibility of the university. Indeed, financial problems and economic downturn cannot be overseen. In my opinion, however, lots of methods are available for universities to overcome these problems. Education is one of the biggest issues in a country and every people in this country is responsible for it. Therefore, universities can seek help from government and international education authorities as well as non-government organizations. I believe those universities can get through this economic crisis without lowering their education level.
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