Key To An Individuals Exceptance Into College example essay topic

The Measure of Meritocracy With the exceptions of race and gender, no subject is more sensitive for Americans today than the structure of opportunity -- that is, the way in which we sort ourselves in the endeavor for success. Starting at a young age, and through vigorous time consuming activities such as school and work, we compete each and everyday to obtain and ultimately preserve the precedent merit of becoming successful. Unfortunately for some us, this preeminent goal is sometimes halted by the various displeasing decisions that we make at a very young age. But for those fortunate enough to keep their head on straight, many golden opportunities towards their quest for success stand before them. An example: The acceptance into college. The result of an individuals hard work and good grades, as well as their exemplification of patience, principle, determination, motivation, and understanding.

All which are honorable cases of merit and all which are qualities in which colleges, no matter how good or bad, look at in order to base your exceptance into a their specific educational institution. With this previous scenario in mind, think about how society would react if they discovered that the key to an individuals exceptance into college was based upon their exemplification of merit. Would they except this notion? Would they allow this process to continue to happen and make such a profound change? Or would they try to correct the system? It is for these reasons that I disagree with Lemann's proposition stated in the article "Behind The SAT".

To begin with, every individual possesses some amount of merit, which according to Lemann, should be a key element in college acceptance. However, I believe that the public in general, will not agree with this proposition, being that many other factors such as morals and association should be considered during the process of acceptance into a college. Also, Lemann does not provide a scale on which such characteristics are to be evaluated. Which means many people may question if there is an actual method of deciding whether or not an individual is prepared for college. Next, Lemman's proposed changed is so drastic, that I cannot see society agreeing to the idea for any length of time.

Lemann suggests a complete change of the of the current education system. This means changing from the system that people have been using for decades, and having people need to learn and comply to the new system. Also meaning that simple ideas such as mutual values and understanding, in terms of the new system, need to be retaught. Society, In terms of education would basically have to start all over again, and sadly throw out the old, and bring in the new.