Parenting is a relentless journey. One moment, we are teaching our little ones to use the potty, and in the blink of an eye, they are preparing for graduation. For parents of high school students, the college preparation process is often mentally and financially draining.
Are they enrolled in enough AP classes? Does that B- in Chemistry jeopardize their future? Should they take both the SAT and ACT? What about test preparation courses—are they worth the investment? The questions can feel overwhelming. However, amidst all this focus on grades, test scores, and academic transcripts, an essential question arises: What kind of individuals are we nurturing? Are they compassionate, ethical citizens who will contribute positively to society, or just high achievers without a sense of empathy?
Fortunately, colleges nationwide are beginning to recognize the importance of character in the admissions process. A report titled Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good Through College Admissions, released in January by Making Caring Common, a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, emphasizes this shift. Lead author Richard Weissbourd points out critical, yet often neglected, aspects of college applications.
The report advocates for colleges to consider applicants as good citizens who make meaningful contributions to their families and communities. Weissbourd’s team suggests that admissions committees should value these traits even if it means placing less emphasis on AP classes or test scores. “The admissions process should clearly indicate that concern for others and the common good are highly valued,” the report states, encouraging institutions to seek out evidence of service and engagement in prospective students.
In addition to academic accomplishments, applicants should highlight their citizenship—whether through volunteering, neighborhood involvement, or caring for family members. Colleges should want to see these attributes, as producing a generation of overachievers lacking in compassion does not bode well for society’s future.
The report also addresses the inequities in the admissions process. Students from affluent backgrounds often have the advantage of better grades and test scores, while equally capable students, like a hardworking teen named Mark who juggles a part-time job to support his family, may not get the same opportunities. Increasingly, colleges are recognizing this disparity.
Weissbourd’s report offers several recommendations for enhancing the admissions process, such as emphasizing sustained community service that lasts over a year rather than short, obligatory hours. The report encourages students to immerse themselves in meaningful projects that resonate with them on a personal level.
Additionally, it suggests that applicants should focus on the quality of their activities rather than merely trying to fill out a checklist. Instead of being involved in multiple clubs or sports, students should reflect on how their experiences shaped them as individuals and nurtured their leadership skills.
The success of this initiative hinges on widespread acceptance among colleges. If the majority continue to prioritize grades and test scores, this new focus on character may not gain traction. However, if institutions unite in this approach, it can transform the admissions landscape and benefit society as a whole.
Since the release of the report by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, institutions like Yale and the University of Virginia have also expressed their support for this movement. As a parent facing the college application process in a few years, I sincerely hope this trend persists. I want my children to excel academically, but more importantly, I want them to embody kindness and empathy. Their grades in AP calculus won’t matter as much to me if they aren’t willing to lend a hand to someone in need.
I welcome the shift toward valuing moral character and citizenship in college admissions—it’s a much-needed change.
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Summary
Harvard’s recent report encourages colleges to prioritize character and citizenship in admissions, urging a shift away from a sole focus on grades and test scores. It highlights the need for equitable evaluation of applicants based on their meaningful contributions to society and personal integrity, proposing that colleges recognize the importance of nurturing compassionate individuals.