Another Option for the Not-so-bright Students

In our push to educate the country’s youth and prepare better workers, leaders, and individuals for the future of America it may be possible that we send too many students to college. Let me explain… Everyone should be able to go to college if they desire. And there are plenty of colleges that will take even those with not-so-great test scores and GPAs. But is that in the best interest of the student?

Look at some basic statistics: Among the bottom quarter of high school students (those with below a 2.6 high school GPA and 850 SAT), only 20% graduate from college, even if they’re given six years!

And among those in that bottom quarter who defy the odds and do graduate, they’re rarely at the top of their class. So, with today’s economy and an oversupply of degree holders looking for jobs, that group of bottom quarter graduates must often settle for a job they could have gotten without college. Think about it, don’t you know many degreed people who have non-professional jobs?

Colleges broadcast the statistic that college graduates earn more over their lifetime, but that doesn’t always apply to the bottom quarter in the same way it would for an Honors student. Yes, life is not fair. They would likely earn more if they chose one of the post-high-school options I’ll suggest tomorrow.

Of course, college isn’t just about career preparation. As colleges often remind us, it’s about enhancing the life of the mind. Unfortunately, the bottom quarter (and many other students) don’t experience such loftiness. Too often, students are bored by professors’ esoterica and confused by their theories. And then there’s advanced math courses like calculus (required for some majors). What the bottom quarter typically does receive is an ongoing assault to self-esteem and a lot of student debt.

I’m particularly concerned about colleges’ non-disclosure of the above to low-achieving minority students. In colleges’ eagerness to diversify, they admit, and even woo, minorities with poor high school records. This deception will just (in many cases) decrease their chances of success and happiness.