College-admissions scam reveals real scandal: take-the-wheel parents
SAN DIEGO -- I learned some important life lessons in Harvard Yard. And so, three years ago, when I found myself back there with my then 11-year-old daughter, I gave her one.
We were touring the college, and my daughter expressed interest -- even though only about 5 percent of applicants to Harvard get accepted.
"But do you think you're prepared to work hard enough to get in here?" I asked her.
That's when she broke my heart.
"They have to let me in here," she said.
"Really? Why is that?" I asked incredulously.
"Because of you," she said. "I'm part of you."
She is part of me. I'm proud of her and I love her to the moon and back. But I don't want her to feel entitled, even though children of alumni do sometimes get preferential treatment in admissions.
So, right there, between Memorial Church and Widener Library, I decided to set her straight.
This memory comes to mind as I think about the college-admissions scandal.
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