ForwarDirections’ Response to the #CollegeAdmissionScandal

As lifelong educators now certified independent educational consultants who have worked with college-going students for over 40 years, we are saddened and dismayed by the recent events identifying how some families have been able to “buy” college admission for their children. There is no doubt that this college admissions scandal will highlight the broader inequities of the current college admissions system, and that is long overdue.

We must confront the underlying belief held by many in our society that there are only a few great colleges in the United States. The reality is that there are approximately 4,000 colleges and universities across this country—two-year and four-year, public and private, very small to incredible large, test optional versus test required, etc. This means that there really is a college out there that can work for every student who wants to go to college. The focus, then, must be on helping students figure out where they can be both happy and successful when they go to college—to find options that match the academic, social, and financial needs and wants of each individual student—rather than getting caught up on the name or the ranking of an educational institution.

We must also stop thinking that students have to be perfect to get into college. Instead, the focus should be about finding a place where a student can learn and grow to be his/her best self, which means being true to who they are instead of pretending to be someone they are not just so they can get into a particular college. Only then will we be able to to bring a stop to the craziness that leads to cheating on college entrance exams, resume padding, and fabricated experiences.

As we move forward, we welcome the continuing conversations across America about the college admissions process. Meanwhile, we will continue to operate with honesty and integrity through every interaction we have with the students and families we have the privilege to serve.