Do the same colleges that said "yes" in December, say "no" in May?
Senior Year
Students apply to selective colleges in the early fall and are often accepted by the end of first semester. These students are accepted based on the grade point average earned and classes taken up to that point. It is such a relief to have plans for the future that some students take a deep breath and think they have run the final lap.
It’s Not Over Yet
What many students do not realize is that a college can rescind the offer of admission if the student is no longer the student they once thought. Student A has taken difficult college prep classes, selected a college major, and maintained a grade point average of 3.6. In his senior year he takes additional college prep classes and continues to maintain a strong grade point. This student will remain in good standing with higher end colleges.
Student B has taken some difficult college prep classes and maintained a grade point average of 3.4. However, he is now accepted at a college and thinks the hard work is done. He begins to skip classes and thumbing his nose at the counselor’s advise. He’s been accepted. Unfortunately, he received two D’s because of all the missed classes. These classes were critical for college admission decisions. When this student sends in his final transcript, the college decides that he is no longer the strong student they thought he was. He will no longer be accepted. Good luck attending another college.
How Often?
How often does something like this happen? It all depends on how selective the colleges are and how much financial aid is needed to attend. College A only accepts 25% of the students that apply. This school has a waiting list and does not have to consider a student that now has a much lower g.p.a than students on the waiting list.
College B accepts 75% of the students that apply. Even though the same student has had a grade point average drop, he is still far above the average students accepted to this college. This college will probably not cut the student from the freshman class.
MySpace and YouTube
Colleges have also begun to do background checks on the students they will accept or have accepted to the institution. A student that has been given a $10,000 scholarship based on merit and character may find that it can easily be lost by a post on MySpace bragging about drug use. A young girl posing on YouTube with very little clothing and a bottle of Capt. Morgan in her hand may find that her scholarship may be revoked. She may still be admitted to her favorite college but it may no longer be affordable without the scholarship. This same girl may find herself on a pornography site without her knowledge. She may remain on the site for 20 years.
For Infinity
What many students do not realize is that what is posted to the internet, including emails, is permanent. It is there after you delete email and the MySpace website. If you decide to apply for a top security position, it can be found. If you decide to go into law enforcement, it can be found. If you want to run for public office, it can be found. Today's fun can become tomorrow’s nightmare.
Related articles: Maine Mandates College Applications, College Preparation--Good or Poor?
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
