Higher Education Illation

Know that word illation?? I didn't. It means inferring, reasoning, logical thinking. Now that is what higher education ought to be about. And to some extent is is but it is much more, and in some instances, too much more. But since I began my higher education about seven decades ago, the entrance procedural process was quite different. First, grade school (the goal of many students a century ago); then high school. Both had some pretty high objectives judging by the quality of examinations given in those eras. Then higher education became the major goal.

Springtime today is when many graduates await the verdict(s) of their acceptance (I say plural because many high school grads target more than one institution of higher learning for a variety of reasons). So, let's probe into some of the reasons this occurs. Some schools have a complex methodology on how to gain entrance. Many lesser schools offer excellent programs but suffer from a lack of prestige.

Distance, cost, the unknown all drive some to schools closer to home; others go where their friends matriculate. Some take a huge chance when they put their all their hopes on a certain institution while others couldn't care less as long as they get that acceptance letter. Sure, there are many other reasons but let's now look at some objectives of schools.

Unknown to many,some applicants would easily qualify if the school didn't have its own unique methodology. Quotas are set ranging from geographical locales, home and abroad, sexual and racial considerations, financial and physical objectives, alumni relationships and unique demands by the school of choice. Grade points and test scores may not be as high a priority as conceived and potential student attributes (athletic, academic, artistic) may enter the equation (such as a prestigious alumni potential or superior athletic ability).

I say this primarily to suggest how complex it is. Higher education makes demands because society does likewise similar to parents who set goals (or don't do so). And we should point out that higher education isn't for every student. Luck plays a huge role, even more so than realized. Technical and domestic demands along with skills and interests of a student may not involve higher education but rather special education or training. And we dare not be too quick to judge those who drop out when it occurs for good reason. Tough word, isn't it: illation (logical thinking vs. illogical). Maybe it also implies caution vs. coincidence? Or persistence vs. luck? Who knows?