The journey of parenting is relentless. One moment, you’re knee-deep in potty training, and the next, your child is donning a cap and gown. This transition is particularly daunting for parents of teenagers, especially when the pressure of college preparation looms large—mentally and financially.
Questions abound: Are they enrolled in enough Advanced Placement classes? Will that B- in Physics jeopardize their chances? Should they take both the SAT and ACT? And what about costly test prep classes—are they worth it?
In this whirlwind of academic metrics, a crucial consideration often gets overshadowed: the type of individuals we are cultivating. Are they compassionate? Will they positively impact society, or are they merely high-achieving students devoid of empathy?
Recognizing this gap, many universities, including Harvard, are beginning to emphasize character alongside standardized test scores. A significant report titled Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good Through College Admissions, released by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, highlights the importance of assessing applicants’ moral character. Richard Weissbourd, the lead author, emphasizes that colleges should evaluate whether applicants are responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
The report advocates for a holistic admissions process that prioritizes altruism and civic responsibility. Weissbourd suggests that admissions committees should seek information about an applicant’s volunteer work, community involvement, and personal growth. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievements, colleges should also consider how students engage with the world around them, as this is crucial for nurturing a well-rounded future generation.
Additionally, the report points out that relying solely on academic performance creates an uneven playing field. Students from affluent backgrounds often have access to better educational resources, leaving others—like a student named Alex who works part-time to support his family—at a disadvantage. This discrepancy raises the question of fairness in the admissions process.
To combat this, the report recommends that students engage in “meaningful, sustained community service” rather than just fulfilling minimal requirements for their applications. This means committing to projects that reflect genuine involvement and personal investment.
Another vital suggestion is for applicants to focus on the quality of their activities rather than the quantity. Instead of trying to fill every available space on the application, students should emphasize meaningful experiences and how they shaped their character.
However, for this shift to truly make an impact, it’s essential for a broad coalition of colleges to adopt this ethos. If institutions continue to prioritize a checklist of grades and extracurriculars, the emphasis on character development may fall flat. Fortunately, institutions like Yale and the University of Virginia are also aligning with this new perspective, which bodes well for the future.
As a parent approaching the college application landscape in just a few years, I am hopeful that this trend will persist. I want my children to excel academically, but more importantly, I want them to embody kindness and responsibility. Their academic records may impress, but their character will ultimately define their contributions to society.
I’m encouraged that colleges are starting to recognize the importance of character and civic engagement in their admissions processes. It’s a much-needed evolution.
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In summary, college admissions are gradually shifting toward valuing character and citizenship alongside academic achievements. This change is vital for fostering a generation that not only excels but also cares deeply about their communities.