Both the USA Today and New York Times had articles about college applications and acceptances today but they struck very different tones, both of which speak to how out-of-hand the process the current system of applying to post-secondary education has become.

The article in the USA Today, is by Ryan Hickey, who works writes about higher education, but his day job is working with students on various parts of the applications process and editing the popular college guide, Peterson’s.  Hickey puts together a very practical list of tips for students to keep in mind as they apply to school, including being very mindful of what they’re doing and thinking about money required to go to schools, in addition to just prestige of the schools.  His goal is clearly to inform students – but mostly parents – about some of the pitfalls found along the path of the applications process.  In fact, he starts out by reminding readers that the application time is specifically a moment of note between high school and college and should be given its proper attention.

In contrast, popular author and regular columnist Frank Bruni wrote a rather tongue in cheek piece in today’s New York Times, where he laments that Stamford decided not to accept any of its applicants this year because none are quite good enough for its hallowed halls.  It took me two readings to understand he was kidding! I admire Mr. Bruni for having the temerity to write and publish such a piece because the scathing humor underscores the horror of the possibility of its truth.

The anxiety time is rapidly approaching for high school seniors – those who did not apply to schools early action or early decision will receive their thick and thin envelopes very soon.  My own son is a junior this year and I can see the gradual ramping-up of stress levels in not only him, but the entire community, which will predictably lead to applications, test prep, AP choices, competition, secrecy and above all, FEAR.

Schools are now scrambling in certain ways to make sure they’re accessible while protecting their precious reputations; they are trying to appear more open to economic and racial diversity while maintaining selectivity. It’s a merry go round of conflict. As a mother and a writing/test prep tutor, I’m not sure how to stop the madness, but I do urge you to read both articles and marvel at the mainstream media for their myriad and juxtaposed gifts, born of the desire to prey on the anxiety of its constituents and maintain readership.

Yes, read the articles, but then go have a glass of wine and laugh.