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Waiting. . .
These are anxious days for my students who are waiting to hear the news
on their early applications to college. They are great kids who have
thoughtfully chosen to apply to colleges that provide them with a very
good match for their interests, their abilities ---and their personas.
The colleges they have selected would be fortunate to have them as
students in their college communities. Yet, the jury is out as to whether
they will get the answers they deserve.
Application statistics have been recorded and noted on the
New York Times blog, The
Choice. A sampling of the schools with increases over last year
for binding Early Decision applications include: Brown (5.5%); Duke
(23.1%); Elon
(16.3%); George
Washington (6.8%); Harvey
Mudd (31.0%).
Non-binding Early Action applications are up as well, at
many schools, including: Chicago (25.0%); Case
Western (16. 2%); MIT (4.7%); Northeastern (14.1%); and Georgetown
(1.4%). Harvard University has returned to offering Single Choice Early
Action after four years. Those applications are up over 5.9% from that
time.
The numbers of those accepted in this early round remains to
be seen. Looking at last year's statistics they could be expected to
range from 20% to 50%. However, each year stands on its own.
A number of my students have applications into the schools I
have noted. I wait with them. I hope to be able to cheer with them, but
we have planned for alternatives if the initial news is not positive. I
want them ---as I always do, each year - to have their top choices.
You see, the students I work with are the promise for
tomorrow. They are the best that their generation has to offer this
troubled world. They are purposeful and believe in their future. They
intend to contribute to making this world a better place. Two of my
students plan to become physicians and hope to dedicate medical services
to Doctors Without Borders. A prolific poet has written
poetry to a troubled friend to help her as she works her way back to good
health. Another talented writer has been producing poems to enlist
donations for a community based education and resource center for new
Americans. One has volunteered party planning services for children, as
she dreams of developing her own business as an event coordinator. Two
have created a high school team to walk for Lymphoma. Yet, another has
been studying Mandarin, has spent time in China, and dreams of preparing
for a career in global business that will build on that background.
It disturbs me when I hear about the "bad" teens,
the troubled teens, the unmotivated teens. I squirm when I hear of a new
Fox TV "comedy" entitled, I Hate my Teenage Daughter.
I know I have been fortunate to discover the "good" teens.
And so we wait, wishing the biggest dreams will come true, --- knowing
that some may have to make adjustments, but none that will diminish the
promise they have to offer.
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