Education is a tool that we are given, and sometimes we take it for granted, finding all of its flaws instead of finding it something that we should be lucky we have been able to receive. In the 1960’s, having the opportunity of going to college was huge. Getting into an elite college was even more prestigious and intensely worshiped but what was more important than getting in was taking that opportunity and using it for the good. Not only were students who were granted college educations, eager to become the best, but they were willing to fight to shine. Here is were the word BECOME, is essential. Nowadays there is a mentality that if you are accepted into a prestigious university like, Harvard or Princeton then your future is made. Society has built a culture were students who are admitted to these colleges are told even by the university themselves that they are in the best college, they are exposed to the BEST education therefore; they are the best. As a consequence, we are faced with universities who charge enormous amounts of money, who offer limited financial aid. In other words they are basically aiming for the rich/elite people in the country.
How is it possible that less than 50% of the kids from the low income group who score HIGH in the SAT, end up enrolling in college. Why? Because of the unjust system which limits their possibility of financing their education. In the book ,“Excellent Sheep”, the author William Deresiewicz explains to us that although we cant stop universities from their outrageous pay roll, it is imperative that we change the way in which universities accept their students. If you were born and handed all the tools necessary to study and get into a prestigious college, and you worked hard then you will get admitted. But what if you aren’t? And you didn't have those extra study sessions for the SAT? Why should a piece of paper have to represent, what you know, and who you are as a learner? I believe and agree with the author, that if we are granted the opportunity of having all these tools to help us with our education then we should learn to give back to our country, to make it better and use the power of that knowledge for good. Instead of thinking of ourselves as the best, we must work rigour sly to be the best. And if someone isn't given that possibility the rules should be fair so that their lack of experience isn't an issue in the admissions pool.
How is it possible that less than 50% of the kids from the low income group who score HIGH in the SAT, end up enrolling in college. Why? Because of the unjust system which limits their possibility of financing their education. In the book ,“Excellent Sheep”, the author William Deresiewicz explains to us that although we cant stop universities from their outrageous pay roll, it is imperative that we change the way in which universities accept their students. If you were born and handed all the tools necessary to study and get into a prestigious college, and you worked hard then you will get admitted. But what if you aren’t? And you didn't have those extra study sessions for the SAT? Why should a piece of paper have to represent, what you know, and who you are as a learner? I believe and agree with the author, that if we are granted the opportunity of having all these tools to help us with our education then we should learn to give back to our country, to make it better and use the power of that knowledge for good. Instead of thinking of ourselves as the best, we must work rigour sly to be the best. And if someone isn't given that possibility the rules should be fair so that their lack of experience isn't an issue in the admissions pool.