Thursday, December 11, 2003
The Seattle Times: Education: College-prep expectations don't mesh with realities
The Seattle Times: Education: College-prep expectations don't mesh with realities: "Top 10 myths about preparing for and attending college
The Bridge Project at Stanford University compiled a list of the top 10 myths students believe about college for its recent report, 'Betraying the College Dream.' The national report included feedback from students, parents and educators in six states.
• I can't afford college. Students and parents regularly overestimate the cost of college.
• I have to be a stellar athlete or student to get financial aid. Most students receive some form of financial aid.
• Meeting high-school-graduation requirements will prepare me for college. Adequate preparation for college usually requires a more demanding curriculum than is reflected in minimum high-school-graduation requirements, sometimes even if that curriculum is termed 'college prep.'
• Getting into college is the hardest part. For most students, the hardest part is completing college.
• Community colleges don't have academic standards. Students usually must take placement tests at community colleges to qualify for college-level work.
• It's better to take easier classes in high school and get better grades. One of the best predictors of college success is taking rigorous high-school classes. Getting good grades in lower-level classes will not prepare students for college-level work.
• My senior year in high school doesn't matter. The classes students take in their senior year will often determine the classes they are able to take in college and how well-prepared they are for those classes.
• I don't have to worry about my grades, or what classes I take, until my sophomore year. Many colleges look at sophomore grades, and, in order to enroll in college-level courses, students need to prepare well for college. This means taking a well-thought-out series of courses starting no later than ninth or 10th grade.
• I can't start thinking about financial aid until I know where I'm going to college. Students need to file a federal-aid form before most colleges send out acceptance letters. This applies to students who attend community colleges, too, even though they can apply and enroll in the fall of the year they wish to attend.
• I can take whatever classes I want when I get to college. Most colleges and universities require students to take placement exams in core subject areas. Those tests will determine the classes students can take.
For more info on the Bridge Project, go to www.stanford.edu/group/bridgeproject . For more info on the Standards for Success Project, go to www.s4s.org For more info on the Education Trust, go to www.edtrust.org
"
great article!
The Bridge Project at Stanford University compiled a list of the top 10 myths students believe about college for its recent report, 'Betraying the College Dream.' The national report included feedback from students, parents and educators in six states.
• I can't afford college. Students and parents regularly overestimate the cost of college.
• I have to be a stellar athlete or student to get financial aid. Most students receive some form of financial aid.
• Meeting high-school-graduation requirements will prepare me for college. Adequate preparation for college usually requires a more demanding curriculum than is reflected in minimum high-school-graduation requirements, sometimes even if that curriculum is termed 'college prep.'
• Getting into college is the hardest part. For most students, the hardest part is completing college.
• Community colleges don't have academic standards. Students usually must take placement tests at community colleges to qualify for college-level work.
• It's better to take easier classes in high school and get better grades. One of the best predictors of college success is taking rigorous high-school classes. Getting good grades in lower-level classes will not prepare students for college-level work.
• My senior year in high school doesn't matter. The classes students take in their senior year will often determine the classes they are able to take in college and how well-prepared they are for those classes.
• I don't have to worry about my grades, or what classes I take, until my sophomore year. Many colleges look at sophomore grades, and, in order to enroll in college-level courses, students need to prepare well for college. This means taking a well-thought-out series of courses starting no later than ninth or 10th grade.
• I can't start thinking about financial aid until I know where I'm going to college. Students need to file a federal-aid form before most colleges send out acceptance letters. This applies to students who attend community colleges, too, even though they can apply and enroll in the fall of the year they wish to attend.
• I can take whatever classes I want when I get to college. Most colleges and universities require students to take placement exams in core subject areas. Those tests will determine the classes students can take.
For more info on the Bridge Project, go to www.stanford.edu/group/bridgeproject . For more info on the Standards for Success Project, go to www.s4s.org For more info on the Education Trust, go to www.edtrust.org
"
great article!
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