Navigating the journey of parenthood is relentless; one moment you’re teaching your child to use the potty, and the next, you’re preparing for their college graduation. This transition can be particularly challenging for parents of high school students, who face the daunting task of college preparation—both mental and financial.
Questions abound: Are they enrolled in enough Advanced Placement (AP) courses? Is that B- in Physics detrimental? Should they take the SAT or ACT, or both? What about test preparation classes? Do they truly make a difference, and can we even afford them?
Amidst all this scrutiny of grades and standardized test scores, a critical aspect often gets overlooked: the character of the individuals we are raising. Are they compassionate? Will they positively impact society, or are they merely high achievers devoid of empathy?
Recognizing this gap, many higher education institutions are beginning to prioritize character in the admissions process. A report titled Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good Through College Admissions, published by the Making Caring Common project at Harvard Graduate School of Education, sheds light on this vital issue. Lead author Richard Weissbourd emphasizes that a student’s character should be as significant in the admissions process as their academic performance.
The report advocates for colleges to inquire about applicants’ roles as good citizens and their contributions to their families and communities. Weissbourd suggests that admissions committees should value these qualities even if it means reducing emphasis on AP courses and test scores. “The admissions process should clearly communicate that concern for others and the common good are essential values,” the report states.
In addition to academic accomplishments, applicants should highlight their citizenship efforts, such as community service, volunteering at local organizations, or caring for family members. The focus should shift from merely producing a generation of high-achieving students to nurturing individuals who embody philanthropy and strong family values.
The report also addresses inequities in the admissions landscape. Students from affluent backgrounds often have access to better resources, leading to higher grades and test scores. However, what about students like Alex, who opts for a part-time job to support his family rather than joining extracurricular activities? Shouldn’t he also have a chance at admission? Increasingly, colleges are recognizing the importance of providing equal opportunities for all applicants.
Weissbourd’s report offers several recommendations for admissions practices, including a heightened emphasis on community service and responsibility. Students are encouraged to participate in “meaningful, sustained community service” that extends over at least a year, rather than just fulfilling a requirement with a few hours of service. The report emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement.
Another suggestion is to focus on the quality rather than quantity of extracurricular activities. Rather than feeling pressured to fill every available space on their applications, students should reflect on how a single sport or club experience has contributed to their personal growth and development.
For this shift to be effective, consensus among colleges is essential. If most institutions continue to prioritize a checklist of grades and extracurriculars, the new focus on character may falter. However, if more schools unite under this philosophy, the admissions landscape could profoundly benefit society as a whole.
Since the publication of this report, prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and the University of Virginia have expressed support for these changes, paving the way for broader adoption across the nation.
As a parent preparing to face the college application process in the near future, I hope this trend continues. While I want my children to excel academically, I value their character even more. It’s far more important that they demonstrate kindness and compassion than merely boast impressive grades. Their ability to care for others is what truly matters in shaping a better future.
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In summary, the evolving admissions landscape reflects a growing recognition of the importance of character and citizenship in shaping future citizens. As we navigate this journey, let us prioritize raising compassionate individuals who will make meaningful contributions to society.