What Makes a “Good College” – And Why It Matters @TED #ted #shorts

TL;DR

This content highlights the consequences of our obsession with elite colleges and emphasizes the importance of regional public universities in providing opportunities for marginalized students.

Transcript

We say we want colleges to be more   equitable, more accessible. But we tend to obsess over a tiny group of colleges, places like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, MIT.  But our cultural obsession with a limited group of highly rejective colleges has major consequences. Regional public universities,  or RPUs for short, are the exact opposite.... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎓 Colleges like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and Princeton receive excessive attention and perpetuate inequality and inaccessibility in higher education.
• 🌍 The focus on highly selective colleges overlooks the value of regional public universities (RPUs) that prioritize inclusivity and serve underrepresented students.
• 💪 RPUs admit a diverse student body, including first-generation students, people of color, low-income students, and veterans.
• 👥 It is important to challenge negative perceptions about "easy" college admissions and recognize the positive impact of inclusive schools.
• 🏆 RPUs offer a significant opportunity for individuals who may not have had access to traditional elite institutions.
• 💼 Attending an RPU provides a pathway to higher education and career opportunities for marginalized communities.
• 🌟 RPUs play a crucial role in promoting social mobility and breaking the cycle of inequality in education.
• 🗣️ Instead of undermining the accessibility of certain colleges, we should celebrate and aspire towards inclusive admissions policies that benefit a wide range of students.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the consequences of our cultural obsession with highly rejective colleges like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, and MIT?

The consequences of such obsession are the neglect and underappreciation of regional public universities (RPUs). These RPUs pride themselves on accepting nearly everyone who applies, including first-generation college students, students of color, low-income students, and veterans. By focusing solely on elite institutions, we undermine the importance and value of RPUs in providing opportunities for a diverse range of individuals to attend college.

Q: How do regional public universities (RPUs) differ from highly rejective colleges?

RPUs and highly rejective colleges represent the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to admissions. While highly rejective colleges have rigorous acceptance criteria and only admit a small fraction of applicants, RPUs make a deliberate effort to accept as many students as possible. RPUs embrace a diverse student population, often consisting of first-generation college students, students of color, low-income students, and veterans.

Q: Why is it important to challenge the notion that "anyone can get into" a particular school?

Rather than dismissing the accessibility of a school, it is crucial to recognize the value in providing opportunities for a wide range of individuals to attend college. The idea that "anyone can get into" a particular school highlights the inclusivity and commitment of that institution towards creating a more equitable educational landscape. It is essential to appreciate the efforts made by these schools in offering higher education to individuals who may face additional barriers.

Q: What should be our response when someone claims that "anyone can get into" a certain school?

Instead of labeling the accessibility of a school as a negative aspect, we should express admiration for the institution's commitment to providing opportunities for a diverse range of students. By acknowledging the importance of inclusivity and encouraging others to see the positive impact of such schools, we can help shift the narrative towards valuing accessibility in higher education.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Our focus on elite and highly selective colleges like Harvard and Yale has negative consequences for regional public universities (RPUs).

• RPUs pride themselves on accepting a wide range of applicants, including first-generation college students, students of color, low-income students, and veterans.

• When someone dismisses a school by saying "anyone can get in," it is important to challenge that perspective and acknowledge the value of providing opportunities to a diverse group of students.