NPR College Admissions Story

LadyDianeski
Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:53:21 +0000

SAT scores went up, so I don’t think what she fears happening is actually happening.

IIRC, the differences were not significant…and there are always small fluctuations (up or down) from year to year.

Besides, aren’t SAT scores supposedly rising everywhere? It’s remotely possible that the SAT is getting dumber…not that kids are getting smarter or that more smart kids are applying.

Moreover, a trend just beginning now (NC brain-drain) would not be reflected in the data for a little while.

I have only anecdotal evidence, but my son is far from the only in-state NMF who is going out of state because of the crummy in-state aid. You should see my PM inbox – oy! :D

Obviously, there’s a reason other states refer to their merit-aid programs as “Retaining Talent” and “Bright Futures” initiatives. I have a hard time believing that these other states are so much dumber than NC…or that NC is so much smarter than they are. No. I think the other states are more forward-thinking, more visionary. Just my 2 cents’ worth; YMMV.

Diane

P.S. Question: If we NCers are so doggone smart, how come large areas of our state have not managed to expand their economic bases beyond dying industries like textiles, furniture, and tobacco? How come we have double-digit unemployment? (Yes, I know about Charlotte and the Triangle…but there’s a whole lot more to NC than those two places.) I dunno. I love NC, but I don’t see patting ourselves on the back at the expense of Alabama and Florida.