A 2013 article titled “Better Colleges Failing to Lure Talented Poor” keeps resurfacing on my social media feed. It provides an in-depth analysis of why prestigious institutions like Harvard and Amherst are not successfully attracting low-income students with outstanding academic records. Despite offering financial aid and scholarships, the primary issue remains that these students simply do not apply.
This topic resonates deeply with me as I was once a low-income, first-generation college student. Throughout my career, I have engaged with many individuals from similar backgrounds. However, I write this not just as a professional but as a father, contemplating how my own choices—attending only state universities and working in education—will shape my children’s futures.
Key Observations
Two key points from the article mirror my personal observations.
First, many students fail to recognize the distinctions between colleges. I began my college journey at the age of 21, and although I graduated high school (barely), I was not equipped with basic skills like typing or reading novels. My girlfriend at the time, who later became my wife, would type my papers during my first semester. I handwrote them, and she helped me out, which became an essential part of our early relationship until she insisted I learn to type myself.
I was far from the top of my high school class and attended a local state college. Yet, I believed that college was college; it was a significant achievement in my family’s eyes. After graduating, I worked for a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program at a large university, where we faced challenges with low-income students who often left for closer community colleges, failing to see the value of a university education. Many of these students had impressive high school records and test scores, yet they chose to enroll in community colleges at the behest of their parents, who also failed to recognize the difference.
It’s essential to note that community colleges are vital institutions, and there is nothing wrong with attending one. However, if a child has the potential for more, I feel it is our duty as parents to encourage them. This can be challenging when the university landscape feels overwhelmingly foreign, and the thought of your child living far away is daunting. If a state university struggles to retain low-income students, one can only imagine the challenges elite colleges face.
The second issue highlighted in the article, but not explored in depth, is the challenge of fitting in. I graduated with a strong GPA and good graduate exam scores, making me eligible for several prestigious schools. Yet, fear of not belonging held me back from applying. I ultimately chose a state university in Minnesota for my graduate studies, unsure if I would have been accepted elsewhere, but too intimidated even to try.
In my career, I have witnessed low-income and first-generation students with impressive credentials drop out due to discomfort in traditional university settings or avoid applying to elite schools because they felt out of place.
Reflections as a Parent
As a father of three, I often reflect on my journey and those of the students I’ve worked with, pondering how best to guide my children through the college application process. My eldest is just 10, excelling in school beyond my own early experiences. Yet, when I consider his potential college options, I feel a wave of anxiety. I want him to choose a comfortable environment, possibly the state school where I work, because it feels familiar. The idea of applying to prestigious institutions like Harvard or Yale seems intimidating—just as it did for me.
This anxiety is particularly pronounced for first-generation college students who lack a roadmap and face immense pressure. The question remains: will we encourage our children to take that leap? Only time will tell.
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In summary, top colleges are not effectively attracting highly qualified low-income students due to a lack of awareness about the differences between institutions and the fear of fitting in. As a parent and former first-generation student, I understand the anxiety surrounding these decisions and the importance of encouraging children to aim high.