Theo Baker's new book about Stanford shows you precisely what that golden ticket provides. As much as you tout Bama and Auburn, a T10 education does open doors. According to Theo, the temptation while there to cash in your ticket is close to irresistible. Let's not play dumb now.

My DC ‘lost out’ on their dream school to the athletes in their class. There are many boxes these schools are trying to check. It is life. Move on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand why you don't think it is fair but it is a known part of the system, these are private institutions and as such they can prioritize rewarding legacies and donors, as well as athletes, FGLI students and kids from rural states etc. Since your DD is aware of the competition from her peers she could decide to focus on a different single digit school and apply ED.

What about all the a-holes that tell you everything is “merit based?” Then when legacy-Chad or wealthy-Heather graduates from the single digit school, they turnaround and say “why can’t the poor brown kids work hard like we did?”

It annoys me when legacy/donor parents don't acknowledge that- if my kid was hooked in that way I'd STFU

Life isn’t fair or predictable and for the UMC-UC crowd, college admissions is “First World problems”. There are always going to be people richer, smarter, more hooked, more accomplished and more talented than your kid or my kid. There are always going to be things beyond your control or your kid’s control. The college admissions process of an early opportunity to accept that and love/run with what you have.

Roll Tide

Shocking.

This doesn't mean your kid doesn't have a shot. There is no "quota" for schools so if your kid has the chops to get admitted, they will get admitted.

just wait until you learn about the job market. and life

Anonymous wrote:It’s not about education anymore. It’s about access and putting more barriers on people who aren’t part of the upper class. Just look at the quality of education you get at these “elite” schools where 90% of your classes are taught by 24 year old TAs anyway. What an absolute joke. People need to stop buying into this.

It was always always like that. You just didn't know about it it you weren't in that level of wealth at all.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD is applying to a single digit selective college.
In her school there are two boys who are also applying, both from very wealthy families. One is legacy and heavily donates, another donates seven digit donations.

My kid has no chance.

At least you know this - some people have no idea and find out too late. So, why not encourage your kid to apply early to a different college? My experience having been through this with 2 kids is that there are many great colleges in the U.S. and your kid can thrive at more than one place.

+1. You are fortunate to have this info ahead of time so you can assess and make the best choice for your kid. You should feel empowered vs complain.

Anonymous wrote:I understand why you don't think it is fair but it is a known part of the system, these are private institutions and as such they can prioritize rewarding legacies and donors, as well as athletes, FGLI students and kids from rural states etc. Since your DD is aware of the competition from her peers she could decide to focus on a different single digit school and apply ED.

What about all the a-holes that tell you everything is “merit based?” Then when legacy-Chad or wealthy-Heather graduates from the single digit school, they turnaround and say “why can’t the poor brown kids work hard like we did?”

Yes. It's not a meritocracy for the top whatever institutions. No one really pretended it was.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Its not rigging if OP does it.

I’m not rich so no donations.

You’re not rich, but your child goes to private school?

What’s the threshold to qualify as rich in your mind?

Middle class kids go to private schools, they also have scholarships for low income students.

Anonymous wrote:That's not rigged. They are offering something your family isn't.

This. OP may not like the playing field but the field is not "rigged".
Coming from a private school it can be argued that OP's child has an unfair advantage. See how that works?

It’s not about education anymore. It’s about access and putting more barriers on people who aren’t part of the upper class. Just look at the quality of education you get at these “elite” schools where 90% of your classes are taught by 24 year old TAs anyway. What an absolute joke. People need to stop buying into this.