Back in my high school days, I didn’t seriously consider colleges until my senior year. I submitted five applications, waited a few months, and chose the one that offered the best financial aid. It was a bit of a hassle, sure, but nothing compared to the lengthy process students face today.
Actually, let’s call it a four-year endurance test. A new initiative by the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success, which includes 80 colleges and universities, suggests that students should not only utilize a common application—similar to the Common Application—but also develop online portfolios of their work starting in ninth grade. According to NPR, Zina Evans, the vice president for enrollment management at the University of Florida, mentioned that students will be able to upload their work samples from as early as ninth grade when they apply in their senior year. This essentially acts as a digital repository for their achievements.
The application process will be streamlined through a free, centralized website for all participating colleges. The Huffington Post explains that this platform provides students with a single point for submitting applications while also offering tools for early preparation. Through the site, students can seek advice from college admissions offices and collaborate with teachers and counselors to create their portfolios.
While I appreciate that this initiative provides students who may lack access to college counselors—or any adult guidance—greater opportunities to connect with admissions offices, I’m not a fan of the “years in advance” aspect.
Aren’t we promoting free-range parenting these days? Shouldn’t kids be allowed to explore and experiment without adult oversight every step of the way? Shouldn’t they experience failure?
The four years of high school are a significant period of childhood, and turning it into an extended audition for college is concerning. High school, like preschool or elementary school, should prioritize learning and exploration—just as college should. Students won’t be inclined to take risks or delve into new subjects if every assignment is approached with the goal of enhancing their college applications.
Even in the more relaxed atmosphere of the 1980s, I hesitated to enroll in challenging courses due to fear of poor grades. Today, a student interested in a coding or figure drawing class might shy away from the risk of a mediocre grade, jeopardizing their portfolio. Starting this portfolio process in ninth grade further discourages students from pursuing interests freely, as they may worry about how a low grade could impact their college prospects.
Consider a student who would otherwise be willing to challenge herself in ninth and tenth grades, accepting the risk of failure. That student might end up with a sparse portfolio during those years, putting her at a disadvantage compared to peers who played it safe. This extended audition period creates an additional disincentive for students to embrace challenges.
Another concern I have is the overly high stakes of the college application process. I understand that a college degree can be pivotal for financial stability, and I value efforts to make it accessible to low-income students. However, this approach seems like a temporary fix to much deeper issues—like the systemic nature of poverty. Additionally, why can’t local schools provide an equally valuable education as distant colleges? And why are “elite” colleges so unattainable for so many?
Families like mine recognize that gaining admission to a reputable college is often linked to financial security. However, I believe more efforts should be aimed at reducing college costs, improving the quality of more affordable institutions, or even exploring alternatives that could lessen the necessity of a college degree for a stable middle-class life. We live in a society where financial stability eludes many, creating intense pressure for kids to secure spots in the best colleges, often at the expense of their childhood experience.
This article was originally published on Oct. 23, 2015. For more insights, check out our other blog posts, such as this one!
Summary:
The college application process is shifting, with students now expected to begin building their portfolios as early as ninth grade. While this change aims to assist students lacking guidance, it raises concerns about the pressure it places on young learners to perform and the overall impact on their educational experience. With the stakes so high, there’s a pressing need to rethink how we approach college admissions and the value of education at all levels.