A lot of people will probably disagree with me on this, but first of all, yes, elite universities use affirmative action to hold Asians to higher standards. And you know what? I think universities are justified in using it.
Source: Do elite colleges discriminate against Asian-Americans in their admission policies?
My Comment: Really good insights.
These traits separate the successful students from the not-so-successful ones.
The first year of college is a tough transition, and for many students, a disillusioning one.
A study conducted last fall at the University of Toronto found that incoming students arrived with unreasonably optimistic expectations. On average, students predicted they would earn grade-point averages of 3.6. Those dreams were swiftly punctured. By the end of the year, the average freshman had only a 2.3.
Source: Why students who do well in high school bomb in college
My Comments: If I am being honest, I think my son exhibits a bit of both, with a slight bias to the divers. I chalk this up to entering college a bit young and immature. Hopefully, he can develop some grit.
Why playing with algebraic and calculus concepts—rather than doing arithmetic drills—may be a better way to introduce children to math
The familiar, hierarchical sequence of math instruction starts with counting, followed by addition and subtraction, then multiplication and division. The computational set expands to include bigger and bigger numbers, and at some point, fractions enter the picture, too. Then in early adolescence, students are introduced to patterns of numbers and letters, in the entirely new subject of algebra. A minority of students then wend their way through geometry, trigonometry and, finally, calculus, which is considered the pinnacle of high-school-level math.
Source: 5-Year-Olds Can Learn Calculus – The Atlantic
My Comments: Really think this is a pretty interesting and exciting approach.
Two very different relationships that overlap in complicated ways.
Like coloring books or meals composed entirely of vegetables, befriending one’s parents is something that, by early adulthood, seems to take on a new sheen of coolness. If you’re a millennial on any form of social media, you’ve probably seen the evidence: heartfelt posts popping up on birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s and Father’s Days, declaring that the poster’s parents aren’t just the best parents, but also their best friends. We’re a generation raised on Gilmore Girls, and it shows.
Source: Can Parents Really Be Friends With Their Kids? — Science of Us
My Comments: Really interesting take on the topic.
Dozens of prominent colleges fill a third or more of their incoming classes through early-decision applications, which prevent comparison shopping for the best financial deal and make it more difficult to get in during the regular admissions cycle.
Source: A college-admissions edge for the wealthy: Early decision
My Comments: My boy got into Cornell on Early Decision. I absolutely agree that you have to know and work the system a bit. Thee is definitely a game to be played and a secrecy to the sauce.
Life isn’t fair.
That truth is something that children seem to understand almost intuitively at a young age. However, the path through which they develop a sense of what’s fair and what isn’t — and how they act on injustices — is something that has been a puzzle for social scientists.
Fairness is a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of equality. It is an ideal that supports cooperation, sharing and sacrifice. But it also can lead to competition and greed.
Source: Newsela
My Comments: Pretty interesting stuff…