An article from 2013, titled “Better Colleges Failing to Lure Talented Poor,” has been surfacing on my social media lately. It provides a thorough examination of why prestigious institutions like Harvard and Amherst are failing to attract low-income students with excellent academic records. The main issue seems to be that these qualified candidates often don’t apply, even when financial aid is available to ease the burden of attending expensive private schools.
This topic resonates with me personally, as I was once a low-income, first-generation college student. Throughout my career, I’ve worked primarily with individuals who share a similar background. However, I’m sharing these thoughts not just as a professional but as a father. Despite holding an advanced degree and working at a university, my children are being raised in a lower-middle-class environment, and I often question whether my choice to solely attend state colleges and work in education will impact their future.
Key Points from the Article
Two key points from the article align with my own experiences both personally and professionally.
Firstly, many students do not recognize the distinctions between different types of colleges. I started my college journey at 21, having barely graduated high school, and was completely unprepared. My then-girlfriend (now my wife) had to type my papers for me during my first semester. To me, college was college — I was thrilled to be attending, and my family was proud, regardless of the institution’s reputation.
Later, while working with the TRIO Student Support Services program at a large state university, I found that many talented, low-income students would leave to attend a local community college because their families failed to see the difference between a respected university and a two-year program. These were students who had excelled in high school and had the necessary scholarships and grants, yet often they were swayed by their parents’ perspectives. While community colleges are vital and provide excellent opportunities, it’s essential for parents to encourage students with greater potential to explore all options. However, this can be daunting when the idea of a child moving away to a university seems overwhelming.
The second issue discussed in the article, though not fully explored, is that of fitting in. I graduated with a strong GPA and test scores that made me eligible for several elite schools. However, fear of not belonging held me back from applying. Instead, I chose a state university in Minnesota for my graduate studies. I often witness low-income and first-generation students with remarkable credentials dropping out or refraining from applying to prestigious institutions due to a lack of confidence in their ability to fit in.
Reflections as a Parent
As a father of three, I reflect on my own experiences and the students I’ve encountered, wondering how best to guide my children when it comes time for college applications. My eldest is just 10 and already excels in school far beyond my level at his age. Yet, the thought of him attending college fills me with anxiety. I want him to choose a place where he feels comfortable, perhaps even the university where I work. However, the thought of Ivy League schools is intimidating for both of us.
This situation highlights the challenges of breaking generational cycles. I hope for my children to surpass my achievements, becoming better educated and more successful than I am. Yet, the prospect of them aiming for an elite college invokes the same fears my mother had for me when I transitioned from Utah to Minnesota for graduate school.
These feelings are common for parents, but they can be especially daunting for first-generation college students who lack a familial roadmap and often face immense pressure, whether from family or themselves. Ultimately, we must ask ourselves whether we can encourage our children to take those bold steps into the unknown. Only time will tell.
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Summary
Elite colleges face challenges in attracting highly qualified low-income students, often due to a lack of applications and issues of fitting in. Personal experiences reveal that many talented individuals may not perceive the value of attending a prestigious institution, and as a parent, it’s crucial to encourage children to aim high while navigating their own anxieties about the process.