While this is an extreme case, it is symptomatic of the problems with the idea that “college is for everyone.” If college is for everyone, why do we rely on SAT scores and high school transcripts? Why doesn’t every school have an open admissions policy? Quite simply, because not everyone should attend college. If individuals are unable to read, they benefit more from a literacy program than a college course. There are also plenty of literate students who are not up for the challenge. They may have graduated from a high school that did not expect much from them, academically. They may not have the maturity necessary to dedicate themselves to the course-responsibility without their parents. They aren’t necessarily prepared to be “grown ups” yet. College prep courses don’t often teach students about being responsible. Teaching responsibility and time and stress management may prepare some students for their college experience, but many will still fall victim to their first taste of “freedom.” (Pharinet
While this is an extreme case, it is symptomatic of the problems with the idea that “college is for everyone.” If college is for everyone, why do we rely on SAT scores and high school transcripts? Why doesn’t every school have an open admissions policy? Quite simply, because not everyone should attend college. If individuals are unable to read, they benefit more from a literacy program than a college course. There are also plenty of literate students who are not up for the challenge. They may have graduated from a high school that did not expect much from them, academically. They may not have the maturity necessary to dedicate themselves to the course-responsibility without their parents. They aren’t necessarily prepared to be “grown ups” yet. College prep courses don’t often teach students about being responsible. Teaching responsibility and time and stress management may prepare some students for their college experience, but many will still fall victim to their first taste of “freedom.” (Pharinet