Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast Childhood and Education: College Admissions
Jul 30, 2025
Explore the intricate dynamics of college admissions, including how prestigious schools like Harvard seek diverse applicants. Discover the harsh truths, like how outstanding academics don't always guarantee acceptance and the emotional toll it takes. Dive into the unsettling trend of civility ratings impacting admissions, prioritizing social conformity over merit. Unpack the evolving landscape of testing criteria and its effects on student anxiety and performance, highlighting systemic flaws and proposing equitable solutions.
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Harvard's Admissions Strategy
- Harvard intentionally increased African-American applications to balance acceptance rates.
- Test scores of admitted students remained stable despite a broader applicant pool.
Admissions Essays Demand Dishonesty
- The college application essay is a test of strategic dishonesty more than honesty.
- Success depends more on skillful lying and low integrity than genuine merit.
Top Student Rejected Over Essays
- A student with perfect academic credentials was rejected by top schools due to poor essay tactics.
- Essays and strategic presentation often outweigh clear academic superiority in admissions.