Asked by mav welborn
Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail Students shouldn't stress perfection in college applications
By Angel B. Pérez
2012
Many students experience intense pressure to be perfect in school, especially to ensure that they are accepted to a top university. But how important is a perfect college application? In this informational article, a dean of admissions discusses what colleges are really looking for and offers his surprising take on the importance of failure.
As you read, take notes on the reasons why the author thinks students should be honest about their failures on college applications.
I ask every student I interview for admission
[1]
to my institution, Pitzer College, the same
question, “What do you look forward to the
most in college?” I was stunned and delighted
recently when a student sat across from me
at a Starbucks in New York City and replied, “I
look forward to the possibility of failure.” Of
course, this is not how most students respond
to the question when sitting before the
person who can make decisions about their
academic futures, but this young man took a risk.
“You see, my parents have never let me fail,”
"college" by Hamza Butt is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
he said. “When I want to take a chance at something, they remind me it’s not a safe route to take. Taking a more rigorous1course or trying an activity I may not succeed in, they tell me, will ruin my chances at college admission. Even the sacrifice of staying up late to do something unrelated to school, they see as a risk to my academic work and college success.”
I wish I could tell you this is an uncommon story, but kids all over the world admit they are under tremendous pressure to be perfect. When I was traveling in China last fall and asked a student what she did for fun, she replied: “I thought I wasn’t supposed to tell you that? I wouldn’t want you to think I am not serious about my work!”
1. Rigorous (adjective) very difficult, challenging, or demanding
1
Students are usually in shock when I chuckle and tell them I never expect perfection. In fact, I prefer they not project it in their college applications. Of course, this goes against everything they’ve been told and makes young people uncomfortable. How could a dean of admission at
one of America’s most selective institutions not want the best and the brightest? The reality is, perfection doesn’t exist, and we don’t expect to see it in a college application. In fact, admission officers tend to be skeptical2of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws.
[5]
These days, finding imperfections in a college application is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Students try their best to hide factors they perceive to be negative and only tell us things they believe we will find impressive. This is supported by a secondary school culture where teachers are under pressure to give students nothing less than an A, and counselors are told not to report disciplinary infractions to colleges. Education agents in other countries are known to falsify student transcripts, assuming that an outstanding GPA is the ticket to admission.
Colleges respond to culture shifts, and admission officers are digging deeper to find out who students really are outside of their trophies, medals, and test scores. We get the most excited when we read an application that seems real. It’s so rare to hear stories of defeat and triumph that when we do, we cheer. If their perspectives are of lessons learned or challenges overcome, these applicants tend to jump to the top of the heap at highly selective colleges. We believe an error in high school should not define the rest of your life, but how you respond could shape you forever.
I’ve spent enough time in high schools to know teenagers will never be perfect. They do silly things, mess up, fall down, and lack confidence. The ability to bounce back is a fundamental3 life skill students have to learn on their own. The lessons of failure can’t be taught in a classroom; they are experienced and reflected upon. During my weekend of interviews, another student told me, “I’m ashamed to admit I failed precalculus, but I decided to take it again and got a B-plus. I’m now taking calculus, and even though I don’t love it, I’m glad I pushed through!” I asked him what he learned from the experience. “I learned to let go of shame,” he said. “I realized that I can’t let a grade define my success. I also learned that if you want anything bad enough, you can achieve it.”
I smiled as I wrote his words down on the application-review form. This kid will thrive on my campus. Not only will the faculty love him, but he has the coping skills he needs to adjust to the rigors of life in a residential college setting. Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on. Let’s allow young people to fail. Not only will they learn something, it might even get them into college.
2. Skeptical (adjective) not easily convinced; doubtful
3. Fundamental (adjective) of central importance
2
"Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail" from Education Week by Angel B. Pérez. Copyright © 2012 by Angel B. Pérez. Used by permission of author. All rights reserved.
Writer’s Checklist:
I completed all parts of the graphic organizer.
I included the TAG (Title, Author, and Genre) in my introductory sentence..
The thesis (main claim) of my response is clearly stated in the introductory sentence.
I used at least one direct quote from the passage as textual evidence to support my claim.
I used at least one example from my personal experience as evidence to support my claim.
My analysis clearly explains HOW my evidence supports my claims.
My concluding statement sums up my evidence and explains how the evidence relates to the thesis (main claim).
My response is written in complete sentences.
I used proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
By Angel B. Pérez
2012
Many students experience intense pressure to be perfect in school, especially to ensure that they are accepted to a top university. But how important is a perfect college application? In this informational article, a dean of admissions discusses what colleges are really looking for and offers his surprising take on the importance of failure.
As you read, take notes on the reasons why the author thinks students should be honest about their failures on college applications.
I ask every student I interview for admission
[1]
to my institution, Pitzer College, the same
question, “What do you look forward to the
most in college?” I was stunned and delighted
recently when a student sat across from me
at a Starbucks in New York City and replied, “I
look forward to the possibility of failure.” Of
course, this is not how most students respond
to the question when sitting before the
person who can make decisions about their
academic futures, but this young man took a risk.
“You see, my parents have never let me fail,”
"college" by Hamza Butt is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
he said. “When I want to take a chance at something, they remind me it’s not a safe route to take. Taking a more rigorous1course or trying an activity I may not succeed in, they tell me, will ruin my chances at college admission. Even the sacrifice of staying up late to do something unrelated to school, they see as a risk to my academic work and college success.”
I wish I could tell you this is an uncommon story, but kids all over the world admit they are under tremendous pressure to be perfect. When I was traveling in China last fall and asked a student what she did for fun, she replied: “I thought I wasn’t supposed to tell you that? I wouldn’t want you to think I am not serious about my work!”
1. Rigorous (adjective) very difficult, challenging, or demanding
1
Students are usually in shock when I chuckle and tell them I never expect perfection. In fact, I prefer they not project it in their college applications. Of course, this goes against everything they’ve been told and makes young people uncomfortable. How could a dean of admission at
one of America’s most selective institutions not want the best and the brightest? The reality is, perfection doesn’t exist, and we don’t expect to see it in a college application. In fact, admission officers tend to be skeptical2of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws.
[5]
These days, finding imperfections in a college application is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Students try their best to hide factors they perceive to be negative and only tell us things they believe we will find impressive. This is supported by a secondary school culture where teachers are under pressure to give students nothing less than an A, and counselors are told not to report disciplinary infractions to colleges. Education agents in other countries are known to falsify student transcripts, assuming that an outstanding GPA is the ticket to admission.
Colleges respond to culture shifts, and admission officers are digging deeper to find out who students really are outside of their trophies, medals, and test scores. We get the most excited when we read an application that seems real. It’s so rare to hear stories of defeat and triumph that when we do, we cheer. If their perspectives are of lessons learned or challenges overcome, these applicants tend to jump to the top of the heap at highly selective colleges. We believe an error in high school should not define the rest of your life, but how you respond could shape you forever.
I’ve spent enough time in high schools to know teenagers will never be perfect. They do silly things, mess up, fall down, and lack confidence. The ability to bounce back is a fundamental3 life skill students have to learn on their own. The lessons of failure can’t be taught in a classroom; they are experienced and reflected upon. During my weekend of interviews, another student told me, “I’m ashamed to admit I failed precalculus, but I decided to take it again and got a B-plus. I’m now taking calculus, and even though I don’t love it, I’m glad I pushed through!” I asked him what he learned from the experience. “I learned to let go of shame,” he said. “I realized that I can’t let a grade define my success. I also learned that if you want anything bad enough, you can achieve it.”
I smiled as I wrote his words down on the application-review form. This kid will thrive on my campus. Not only will the faculty love him, but he has the coping skills he needs to adjust to the rigors of life in a residential college setting. Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on. Let’s allow young people to fail. Not only will they learn something, it might even get them into college.
2. Skeptical (adjective) not easily convinced; doubtful
3. Fundamental (adjective) of central importance
2
"Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail" from Education Week by Angel B. Pérez. Copyright © 2012 by Angel B. Pérez. Used by permission of author. All rights reserved.
Writer’s Checklist:
I completed all parts of the graphic organizer.
I included the TAG (Title, Author, and Genre) in my introductory sentence..
The thesis (main claim) of my response is clearly stated in the introductory sentence.
I used at least one direct quote from the passage as textual evidence to support my claim.
I used at least one example from my personal experience as evidence to support my claim.
My analysis clearly explains HOW my evidence supports my claims.
My concluding statement sums up my evidence and explains how the evidence relates to the thesis (main claim).
My response is written in complete sentences.
I used proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Answers
Answered by
mav welborn
whats the answer
Answered by
mav welborn
I completed all parts of the graphic organizer.
I included the TAG (Title, Author, and Genre) in my introductory sentence..
The thesis (main claim) of my response is clearly stated in the introductory sentence.
I used at least one direct quote from the passage as textual evidence to support my claim.
I used at least one example from my personal experience as evidence to support my claim.
My analysis clearly explains HOW my evidence supports my claims.
My concluding statement sums up my evidence and explains how the evidence relates to the thesis (main claim).
My response is written in complete sentences.
I used proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
whats the answer
I included the TAG (Title, Author, and Genre) in my introductory sentence..
The thesis (main claim) of my response is clearly stated in the introductory sentence.
I used at least one direct quote from the passage as textual evidence to support my claim.
I used at least one example from my personal experience as evidence to support my claim.
My analysis clearly explains HOW my evidence supports my claims.
My concluding statement sums up my evidence and explains how the evidence relates to the thesis (main claim).
My response is written in complete sentences.
I used proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
whats the answer
Answered by
mav welborn
i dont understand
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
**Response to "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail" by Angel B. Pérez**
In the article "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail," author Angel B. Pérez argues that students should embrace their failures and share them in their college applications rather than striving for perfection. Pérez, the dean of admissions at Pitzer College, emphasizes that a focus on flawless applications creates undue stress and overlooks the valuable lessons learned from failure.
One significant reason Pérez asserts that students should be honest about their failures is that it fosters authenticity in their applications. He states, "Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws." This reveals that colleges are looking for genuine stories and personal growth rather than overly polished images. By openly discussing their setbacks, students can demonstrate their resilience and ability to learn from challenges, which are essential qualities for success in college and beyond.
From my own experience, I faced significant challenges during my sophomore year in high school. I struggled with English literature, failing to grasp certain concepts. I was embarrassed and believed this failure would hinder my college prospects. However, after dedicating extra time to study and seeking help from my teacher, I eventually passed the course with a B. This experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of seeking support when needed. Sharing this story in my college application revealed my growth mindset and ability to overcome obstacles.
Pérez’s perspective on failure highlights that it is not merely about the failures themselves but how students respond to them. He asserts, "Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on." This reinforces the idea that universities value applicants who can reflect on their experiences and show how they have been shaped by them.
In conclusion, Pérez's argument encourages students to view failure not as something to hide but as an opportunity for growth that can enrich their college applications. By sharing their experiences of overcoming failure, students can portray a more authentic narrative while proving their resilience and readiness for the challenges of college life. This approach not only alleviates the pressure of perfection but also aligns with the holistic evaluation process that many colleges employ in their admissions decisions.
In the article "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail," author Angel B. Pérez argues that students should embrace their failures and share them in their college applications rather than striving for perfection. Pérez, the dean of admissions at Pitzer College, emphasizes that a focus on flawless applications creates undue stress and overlooks the valuable lessons learned from failure.
One significant reason Pérez asserts that students should be honest about their failures is that it fosters authenticity in their applications. He states, "Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws." This reveals that colleges are looking for genuine stories and personal growth rather than overly polished images. By openly discussing their setbacks, students can demonstrate their resilience and ability to learn from challenges, which are essential qualities for success in college and beyond.
From my own experience, I faced significant challenges during my sophomore year in high school. I struggled with English literature, failing to grasp certain concepts. I was embarrassed and believed this failure would hinder my college prospects. However, after dedicating extra time to study and seeking help from my teacher, I eventually passed the course with a B. This experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of seeking support when needed. Sharing this story in my college application revealed my growth mindset and ability to overcome obstacles.
Pérez’s perspective on failure highlights that it is not merely about the failures themselves but how students respond to them. He asserts, "Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on." This reinforces the idea that universities value applicants who can reflect on their experiences and show how they have been shaped by them.
In conclusion, Pérez's argument encourages students to view failure not as something to hide but as an opportunity for growth that can enrich their college applications. By sharing their experiences of overcoming failure, students can portray a more authentic narrative while proving their resilience and readiness for the challenges of college life. This approach not only alleviates the pressure of perfection but also aligns with the holistic evaluation process that many colleges employ in their admissions decisions.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Certainly! Here’s a concise response summarizing the key reasons why the author believes students should be honest about their failures on college applications from Angel B. Pérez's article, "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail":
---
In "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail," author Angel B. Pérez argues that students should embrace and be honest about their failures in college applications rather than striving for perfection. He suggests several reasons for this perspective:
1. **Authenticity**: Pérez points out that admission officers are skeptical of applicants who portray themselves as flawless. He states, "Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws." This indicates that genuine narratives that include struggles are more compelling and relatable.
2. **Learning and Growth**: Sharing experiences of failure demonstrates a student's ability to learn and grow from challenges. Pérez emphasizes that “failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on.” By reflecting on how they handled setbacks, applicants showcase their resilience.
3. **Realism**: Pérez acknowledges that students often feel immense pressure to appear successful, but he argues that perfection is unrealistic. Students are often not given opportunities to fail, resulting in a lack of real-world coping skills. By showcasing their failures, students can present a more complete picture of themselves.
4. **Valuable Life Skills**: He highlights that the ability to bounce back from failure is a fundamental life skill necessary for success in college and beyond. Applicants who demonstrate this skill are likely to thrive in a college environment, as they are prepared for the rigors of academic life.
In summary, Pérez encourages students to view failure as an opportunity for growth and to share their stories honestly in their college applications to highlight their resilience, authenticity, and ability to learn from experience.
---
This response outlines the main arguments Pérez makes in favor of acknowledging failure in college applications, which ultimately serves to alleviate the pressure for perfection that many students face.
---
In "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail," author Angel B. Pérez argues that students should embrace and be honest about their failures in college applications rather than striving for perfection. He suggests several reasons for this perspective:
1. **Authenticity**: Pérez points out that admission officers are skeptical of applicants who portray themselves as flawless. He states, "Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws." This indicates that genuine narratives that include struggles are more compelling and relatable.
2. **Learning and Growth**: Sharing experiences of failure demonstrates a student's ability to learn and grow from challenges. Pérez emphasizes that “failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on.” By reflecting on how they handled setbacks, applicants showcase their resilience.
3. **Realism**: Pérez acknowledges that students often feel immense pressure to appear successful, but he argues that perfection is unrealistic. Students are often not given opportunities to fail, resulting in a lack of real-world coping skills. By showcasing their failures, students can present a more complete picture of themselves.
4. **Valuable Life Skills**: He highlights that the ability to bounce back from failure is a fundamental life skill necessary for success in college and beyond. Applicants who demonstrate this skill are likely to thrive in a college environment, as they are prepared for the rigors of academic life.
In summary, Pérez encourages students to view failure as an opportunity for growth and to share their stories honestly in their college applications to highlight their resilience, authenticity, and ability to learn from experience.
---
This response outlines the main arguments Pérez makes in favor of acknowledging failure in college applications, which ultimately serves to alleviate the pressure for perfection that many students face.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Based on the checklist you provided, here’s a refined response that should fulfill all the criteria:
---
In the article "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail," by Angel B. Pérez, the author argues that students should embrace their failures in the college application process rather than striving for perfection. Pérez contends that being honest about one’s shortcomings allows applicants to showcase their authenticity and resilience, qualities that colleges increasingly value.
One key reason Pérez believes students should acknowledge their failures is that authenticity resonates more with admission officers. He states, "Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws." This skepticism highlights the fact that colleges are interested in the real experiences of applicants, not just their achievements. Such honesty helps create a genuine narrative about a student's character and growth.
In my own experience, I struggled with math during my junior year, failing my first attempt at Algebra II. Initially, I felt embarrassed and feared that this failure would hurt my college prospects. However, I chose to retake the class and sought extra help from my teacher. With hard work and determination, I ended up earning a B, which taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of asking for help when needed. Like Pérez’s student who learned to "let go of shame" after failing precalculus, my experience shaped my understanding of success and resilience.
This example supports Pérez’s claim that the lessons learned from failure can be more valuable than the failures themselves. He states, "Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on." By sharing these experiences on college applications, students can demonstrate that they have the coping skills necessary for the challenges of college life.
In conclusion, Angel B. Pérez's argument encourages students to view failure not as an obstacle but as an essential opportunity for personal growth. By being honest about their failures, they can present a more authentic self in their applications, which not only alleviates the unrealistic pressure of perfection but also showcases their readiness for the demands of higher education.
---
This response meets all your criteria: it includes TAG, presents a clear thesis, utilizes direct quotes and personal experience as evidence, analyzes how the evidence supports the claims, and concludes with a statement tying everything back to the thesis. It is also presented in complete sentences with proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
---
In the article "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail," by Angel B. Pérez, the author argues that students should embrace their failures in the college application process rather than striving for perfection. Pérez contends that being honest about one’s shortcomings allows applicants to showcase their authenticity and resilience, qualities that colleges increasingly value.
One key reason Pérez believes students should acknowledge their failures is that authenticity resonates more with admission officers. He states, "Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws." This skepticism highlights the fact that colleges are interested in the real experiences of applicants, not just their achievements. Such honesty helps create a genuine narrative about a student's character and growth.
In my own experience, I struggled with math during my junior year, failing my first attempt at Algebra II. Initially, I felt embarrassed and feared that this failure would hurt my college prospects. However, I chose to retake the class and sought extra help from my teacher. With hard work and determination, I ended up earning a B, which taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of asking for help when needed. Like Pérez’s student who learned to "let go of shame" after failing precalculus, my experience shaped my understanding of success and resilience.
This example supports Pérez’s claim that the lessons learned from failure can be more valuable than the failures themselves. He states, "Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming, and moving on." By sharing these experiences on college applications, students can demonstrate that they have the coping skills necessary for the challenges of college life.
In conclusion, Angel B. Pérez's argument encourages students to view failure not as an obstacle but as an essential opportunity for personal growth. By being honest about their failures, they can present a more authentic self in their applications, which not only alleviates the unrealistic pressure of perfection but also showcases their readiness for the demands of higher education.
---
This response meets all your criteria: it includes TAG, presents a clear thesis, utilizes direct quotes and personal experience as evidence, analyzes how the evidence supports the claims, and concludes with a statement tying everything back to the thesis. It is also presented in complete sentences with proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Sure! Let’s break it down step by step to ensure you're clear on how to construct your response based on the criteria you provided. Here’s a simplified version:
1. **TAG (Title, Author, Genre)**: Your introductory sentence should include:
- The title of the article
- The author’s name
- The type of writing (informational article or essay).
Example: “In the informational article *Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail,* Angel B. Pérez argues that students should embrace their failures during the college application process instead of striving for perfection.”
2. **Thesis Statement**: This is the main point you want to make in your response. It should clearly state your position on the topic.
Example: “Pérez believes that being honest about one’s failures allows applicants to show authenticity and resilience, which are valuable to colleges.”
3. **Direct Quote from the Passage**: Include at least one direct quote from the article to support your claim.
Example: “He states, ‘Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws.’”
4. **Personal Experience**: Share a personal story or experience that relates to the theme of failure or learning from mistakes.
Example: “For instance, I struggled with math in high school and failed my first attempt at Algebra II. Instead of giving up, I worked hard, retook the class, and learned perseverance.”
5. **Analysis**: Explain how your personal experience connects to the author's argument and why it matters.
Example: “This experience relates to Pérez's argument because it shows how reacting positively to failure can lead to growth and success, much like his example of a student who learned from not doing well.”
6. **Concluding Statement**: Summarize your main points and restate how they connect to the thesis.
Example: “In conclusion, Pérez’s article highlights the importance of acknowledging failure, as it prepares students for the realities of college and life, making their applications more genuine and relatable.”
7. **Writing Requirements**: Ensure your response is written in complete sentences and uses proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation throughout.
Putting all these elements together in a cohesive way will result in the complete response. Would you like further clarification on any specific part, or would you like help creating your own version?
1. **TAG (Title, Author, Genre)**: Your introductory sentence should include:
- The title of the article
- The author’s name
- The type of writing (informational article or essay).
Example: “In the informational article *Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail,* Angel B. Pérez argues that students should embrace their failures during the college application process instead of striving for perfection.”
2. **Thesis Statement**: This is the main point you want to make in your response. It should clearly state your position on the topic.
Example: “Pérez believes that being honest about one’s failures allows applicants to show authenticity and resilience, which are valuable to colleges.”
3. **Direct Quote from the Passage**: Include at least one direct quote from the article to support your claim.
Example: “He states, ‘Admission officers tend to be skeptical of students who present themselves as individuals without flaws.’”
4. **Personal Experience**: Share a personal story or experience that relates to the theme of failure or learning from mistakes.
Example: “For instance, I struggled with math in high school and failed my first attempt at Algebra II. Instead of giving up, I worked hard, retook the class, and learned perseverance.”
5. **Analysis**: Explain how your personal experience connects to the author's argument and why it matters.
Example: “This experience relates to Pérez's argument because it shows how reacting positively to failure can lead to growth and success, much like his example of a student who learned from not doing well.”
6. **Concluding Statement**: Summarize your main points and restate how they connect to the thesis.
Example: “In conclusion, Pérez’s article highlights the importance of acknowledging failure, as it prepares students for the realities of college and life, making their applications more genuine and relatable.”
7. **Writing Requirements**: Ensure your response is written in complete sentences and uses proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation throughout.
Putting all these elements together in a cohesive way will result in the complete response. Would you like further clarification on any specific part, or would you like help creating your own version?