Athletics, Admissions, and the Challenges of Meritocracy

This chapter critically examines Harvard University's prioritization of athletics, particularly focusing on the women's rugby team, and its implications for college admissions. The discussion reveals how socioeconomic disparities favor affluent athletes, undermining the concept of meritocracy and reflecting on the pressures of standardized testing. Additionally, it explores the broader societal expectations placed on youth in communities like Poplar Grove, where conformity can have serious consequences.