Creating a false dichotomy does nothing but eliminate nuance. The simple fact is that there are more students applying to Harvard than Harvard can let in. Because not this, it means Harvard gets to choose from people they think will benefit the University, an “even playing field” has nothing to do with it.
The university doesn’t benefit the most from getting the smartest or hardest working graduates, they benefit from students who will one day increase their endowment.
The idea of an even playing field is laughable, as we don’t have an equal path to higher education. Someone getting 4.0 from a private highschool who has access to private tutors, isn’t the same as someone getting a 4.0 from a public school and holding down a part time job.
So if the school doesn’t have to acknowledge this, what do you think is going to happen? If the idea of merit is only tracked by how well you can beef up your student portfolio…who do you think is going to win out, the family that spent tens of thousands on private education, or the family who is struggling to pay rent?
Creating a false dichotomy does nothing but eliminate nuance. The simple fact is that there are more students applying to Harvard than Harvard can let in. Because not this, it means Harvard gets to choose from people they think will benefit the University, an “even playing field” has nothing to do with it.
The university doesn’t benefit the most from getting the smartest or hardest working graduates, they benefit from students who will one day increase their endowment.
The idea of an even playing field is laughable, as we don’t have an equal path to higher education. Someone getting 4.0 from a private highschool who has access to private tutors, isn’t the same as someone getting a 4.0 from a public school and holding down a part time job.
So if the school doesn’t have to acknowledge this, what do you think is going to happen? If the idea of merit is only tracked by how well you can beef up your student portfolio…who do you think is going to win out, the family that spent tens of thousands on private education, or the family who is struggling to pay rent?