For those lucky enough, this month and last are for annual treks to visit college campuses with kids who will be high school seniors next year. They are consumed with selecting just the right school.
It?s also the month of second or third campus visits for late choosers, and parents who seem to suffer the admission victories and defeats these days as much as their children.
Those admitted carefully evaluate their major and want to interview a couple of faculty members or students once more, right?
Or, they?ve had an earnest talk with their parents about cost and wouldn?t think of burdening the family with a private school tuition choice over that of a state school? Maybe.
They?ve thoughtfully studied campus demographics and athletic and musical abilities of the last freshman class and decided that they absolutely know where they?ll fit best? One school is too big and impersonal. Another scored higher on the best party school list.
Ah, the angst of it all.
On campus, the admissions guys continue their labors to make this next class at their universities the best balanced ever, with a full orchestra including a tubaplayer and a xylophonist plus backups, choir, lacrosse team, crew, debate squad, representatives from all 50 states, the other six continents, and a dose of twins.
Demographic correctness in admissions policy goes well beyond the valid and important in terms of affirmative action and slides down into cloying and silly.
The search continues for evidence that these fabulously balanced classes provided or will provide our youngsters with a better education than the admissions policies that haphazardly let some of us matriculate.
If all of that is true, maybe the research is out there and one of you will share it with us.
The academic bean counters have long since calculated tuition, room, board and fees for the Class of 2010, which will, anti-trust laws not withstanding, result in breathtakingly similar percentage increases for state and private colleges and universities in all the states.
In-store use only
A friendly observer tells us that The Café 100 in the Bank of America building has a stack of fresh Examiners each morning with a sign that says “In Store Reading Only.”
Invasion of The Examiner snatchers?
Probably an urban legend, but there are repeated reports of Examiner snatchers following our carriers. The Calvert Street Gang is way too grown up and sophisticated to be considered suspect. So who could it be? Please let us know if you see anyone grabbing delivered newspapers in your neighborhood.
Reward for identification with license plate number.
Welcome Press Box
Stan “The Fan” Charles sent us a copy of Press Box, his new tabloid weekly newspaper aimed at Baltimore sports fans/aficionados/nuts/fanatics and it works. Stan?s aim, in the first issue, is true. Those seeking depth in reporting, passion for local athletes and teams will be pleased.
Congratulations, Stan, and welcome to the fray!
Michael Phelps is president and Publisher of The Baltimore Examiner.
