<p>I agree and disagree with the article. </p>
<p>The elite college chase, as currently constructed, encourages a sort of Potemkin village. The 1% may have more money to throw at the problem, but don’t underestimate everyone else’s ability to read between the lines, and game the system. I know many families who aren’t the 1%, who are following the high pressure/high activity/exotic trip model of preparing for college. It’s exhausting. In my opinion, it’s counterproductive. For too many students, the worthy things they do become something they do to impress other people–not something they do because they want to.</p>
<p>It should be possible for students to work to their capacity–that is, to receive a less than stellar grade as feedback which can lead to productive improvement, rather than an attack on the potential to attend college. I also think that creativity is not fed by ceaseless activity. Are we robbing our children of opportunity to experience the reflection which leads to insight? If you’re busy, you’re never bored. That isn’t a good thing. </p>
<p>A friend, long ago, referred to the sort of children propped up by resume stuffing as, “pretty ponies.” Do pretty ponies have the ability to work, once their support staff’s been dismissed?</p>