The slot between 2009 and 2010 is an era for me to get insights into the prestigious U.S. colleges in terms of academics, campus life, and faculty resources. My son's senior year of high school fostered my thrill to learn more about the strength of top-ranked colleges as well as the college admission process, owing to his strong desire to attend a good school. It has become more competitive and selective among high-achieving students while economic woes affect the affordability to high education nationwide. We've seen the impact with numbers of applications to the top-ranked colleges for the year 2010-2011: a 42% increase, a record hike, at University of Chicago, a 19% increase at Princeton University, and a 21% increase at Brown University. My son was admitted to University of Chicago and UC Berkeley (and other UC campuses). He decided to attend Berkeley primarily for the honor and benefits of the Regent's and Chancellor's Scholarship (by invitation -- 200 incoming freshmen awarded) and the resource availability for his interest in studying bio-sciences. Additionally, he may aim at accomplishing an early graduation or gaining double majors at Berkeley, with his 10 AP credits.
It came with multiplying effects that integrated good disciplines on building credentials and writing essays; the race generated the momentum to fulfill a short-term dream. By definition, life is a process of meeting challenges and testifying God's wonder. Challenges for my son and myself are different yet our expectation is the same, so the result is rewarding -- I did enjoy the process that has driven us till May 1st, the deadline for decision of attendance, with a mix of hopes and emotions.
Praise the Lord -- Joy fills us in the faith that overrides our weakness.
Written on May 15, 2010.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
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