A Confusing New World for College Applicants

The Supreme Court will soon decide whether to eliminate affirmative action policies. One side says these policies are still needed to create a just society. The other says they create reverse discrimination. We’ll look at both sides of the debate here.

Delve into the explosive complexities of Middle Eastern politics in "The Daily," as Sabrina Tavernise and Patrick Kingsley discuss the delicate and distressing realities of the Gaza conflict. Through eye-opening firsthand experiences, Kingsley draws from his visit to the territory, unveiling the dark undercurrents of a humanitarian crisis intertwined with ethical and legal challenges. The speakers, including Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht, provide an intimate exploration of the controversies surrounding military tactics and civilian safety, questioning the profound implications of targeting structures like the al-Shifa hospital amidst destruction that begs for clarity on the principles of war.

Navigating away from Gaza's rubble-strewn landscapes, the podcast takes a sharp turn as Tavernise exposes pressing U.S. civil rights issues. The forbidding shadow of a federal appeals court casts doubt over the future of the Voting Rights Act, hinting at a potential Supreme Court battle that could reshape electoral equality. As the episode winds down, it not only recognizes the unseen heroes behind the production but also leaves listeners with a heavy blend of introspection on global justice and domestic rights. Tune in to "The Daily" for a profound, multi-faceted narrative that bridges the gap between distant battlefields and our own backyards.

Elite colleges and universities in the US typically accept less than 10% of applicants, but their influence stretches far beyond this small group. In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz makes the case that these institutions’ influence is negative. He argues that they’re so selective and profit-oriented that they contribute to social inequality and deprive students of high-quality learning.

In this guide, we’ll examine two problems with elite US colleges and universities and explain why Deresiewicz claims they harm both society and students. Then, we’ll explore solutions by describing how governments, schools, and parents can collectively overhaul US higher education—and how today’s students can make the most of their college years in the meantime. As we explore these ideas, we’ll fact-check the author’s claims by providing both supportive evidence and counterexamples. We’ll also discuss ways in which some elite US schools have changed since the publication of Excellent Sheep in 2014. Furthermore, we’ll supplement the author’s ideas with actionable steps.