Harvard Has Identified Another Problem - Its Own Students!

[Anonymous]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/us/harvard-students-absenteeism.html?smid=url-share

Is this a common problem in other top schools? Please share your personal and recent experiences with other Ivy League and T-25 schools.

[Anonymous]

It’s mental health, anxiety and the state of public schools. A good portion of the class has imposter syndrome and is afraid to say anything. Another portion has generalized anxiety. If they didn’t go to a private school that required discussion, they probably have never really engaged in one. My kid has never received any comments or feedback on any of his writing assignments in public school..ever. Just a grade, always an A.

[Anonymous]

Zero issues. Fit in great. Won a department award first year. Loves classes, lots of friends. Private Catholic HS which was very rigorous—writing program excellent so got great remarks on first college papers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s mental health, anxiety and the state of public schools. A good portion of the class has imposter syndrome and is afraid to say anything. Another portion has generalized anxiety. If they didn’t go to a private school that required discussion, they probably have never really engaged in one. My kid has never received any comments or feedback on any of his writing assignments in public school..ever. Just a grade, always an A.

That's sad. Our DC has had a very different public school experience. Especially in AP Lang and AP Lit. Lots of feedback on writing assignments and full discussion-oriented classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s mental health, anxiety and the state of public schools. A good portion of the class has imposter syndrome and is afraid to say anything. Another portion has generalized anxiety. If they didn’t go to a private school that required discussion, they probably have never really engaged in one. My kid has never received any comments or feedback on any of his writing assignments in public school..ever. Just a grade, always an A.

That's not what the article is about

[Anonymous]

The article mentions politics a lot, but my institution is not as left leaning as Harvard or the Ivies, and in recent years we have the same problem with class engagement. We also have a HUGE problem with students being distracted on their phones or on their laptops doing other things during class, which affects their learning. It's demoralizing to lecture to a crowd of device zombies. I had started to wonder if things were better at other higher ranked institutions which get the first pick of students, but I guess it's not any better at the top either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Zero issues. Fit in great. Won a department award first year. Loves classes, lots of friends. Private Catholic HS which was very rigorous—writing program excellent so got great remarks on first college papers.

Remind me where we asked about your child

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Zero issues. Fit in great. Won a department award first year. Loves classes, lots of friends. Private Catholic HS which was very rigorous—writing program excellent so got great remarks on first college papers.

You forgot to mention that they go to Broome Community College

[Anonymous]

OP — you simply believed what you read in the
NYT??? I have a bridge to sell you, honey!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The article mentions politics a lot, but my institution is not as left leaning as Harvard or the Ivies, and in recent years we have the same problem with class engagement. We also have a HUGE problem with students being distracted on their phones or on their laptops doing other things during class, which affects their learning. It's demoralizing to lecture to a crowd of device zombies. I had started to wonder if things were better at other higher ranked institutions which get the first pick of students, but I guess it's not any better at the top either.

I do think this is a generational issue - even at the most selective schools.

But I do wonder if that's why engineering students are so highly valued - no matter the school. You can't coast. You can't check out. You can't play on your phone. Or you will be told to leave the program by sophomore year. It's like engineering is the last major that requires an attention span.

[Anonymous]

Harvard & NYT…these 2 almost invented untruth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Harvard & NYT…these 2 almost invented untruth.

Sure they did you dim little tool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The article mentions politics a lot, but my institution is not as left leaning as Harvard or the Ivies, and in recent years we have the same problem with class engagement. We also have a HUGE problem with students being distracted on their phones or on their laptops doing other things during class, which affects their learning. It's demoralizing to lecture to a crowd of device zombies. I had started to wonder if things were better at other higher ranked institutions which get the first pick of students, but I guess it's not any better at the top either.

I do think this is a generational issue - even at the most selective schools.

But I do wonder if that's why engineering students are so highly valued - no matter the school. You can't coast. You can't check out. You can't play on your phone. Or you will be told to leave the program by sophomore year. It's like engineering is the last major that requires an attention span.

I know an MIT grad who did not get a single internship and now does not have a job. It depends on the kid and so much more! Just an engineer even from MIT might not cut it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Zero issues. Fit in great. Won a department award first year. Loves classes, lots of friends. Private Catholic HS which was very rigorous—writing program excellent so got great remarks on first college papers.

Remind me where we asked about your child

OP here. Why the snark? Original posting was for personal and recent experience in T25 and that is what this PP provided

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP — you simply believed what you read in the
NYT??? I have a bridge to sell you, honey!

Hi Honey, OP here. What else are you selling beside a bridge?