Washington Square News’ Post

Harvard University, along with other elite institutions, has announced a significant shift in its admissions policies. After temporarily dropping the requirement for SAT/ACT standardized test scores during the Covid/George Floyd era, Harvard is now returning to requiring these scores for all applicants. This move follows similar decisions by M.I.T., Dartmouth, and Yale. The Class of 2028, admitted under the previous test-optional policy, may face scrutiny due to the bandwagon effect of multiple Ivy League schools reinstating testing requirements. Columbia University, late to the party, only recently removed standardized testing requirements from admissions. The article highlights the symbolic significance of this change and the challenges faced by universities in navigating admissions policies.This development has implications for admission, recruitment, and advising policies across higher education institutions. The return to standardized testing may impact how universities evaluate applicants, assess academic preparedness, and make admissions decisions. It also reflects broader debates about the role of standardized tests in predicting student success and promoting diversity in student populations.In summary, the end of the test-optional experiment signals a shift in academic practices and prompts universities to reevaluate their approaches to admissions and student selection.Are we ever going back to a traditional pre-pandemic academic approaches or do we need to innovate?https://lnkd.in/e3F-HfGP

Something vital in education is being lost. I love to teach. I love curiosity. And i have witnessed how students no longer want to push beyond the surface. The need to debate difficult ideas, to stretch their thinking, has been replaced by a preference for safe spaces—zones where discomfort is avoided at all costs. The Alma Mater I signed up for—the one that built world-class doctors through rigorous training—is gone. Now, it’s all about feelings, inclusion, and bending over backwards to protect fragile egos. Across medical schools, we’re watching the same story play out: standards dropping, meritocracy fading, and education being replaced by coddling. In "The Coddling of the American Mind," Jonathan Haidt spelled it out years ago. We’re raising a frail generation, teaching kids that discomfort is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. This is the kind of thinking that has taken over higher education, and it’s seeped right into medical schools. The result? A generation of future doctors who are more fragile than ever and less prepared for the brutal realities of patient care. Haidt outlines the "Three Great Untruths" that have infiltrated universities: 1. What doesn’t kill you makes you weaker. 2. Always trust your feelings. 3. Life is a battle between good people and evil people. These ideas are now embedded in the system. At our top US universities, students aren’t just graded lightly; they’re not really graded at all. It’s a pass-fail system, and students can choose to keep their grades hidden. Why? To "protect their well-being." Meanwhile, real preparation for life as a doctor gets lost in the noise. Instead of fostering resilience and competence, we’re creating an atmosphere where any pressure is seen as unfair or harmful. Haidt’s work is calling out coddling; he’s a big proponent of Heterodox Academy, an initiative pushing for intellectual diversity on campuses. These schools encourage discomfort, debate, and challenge. They reject the idea that we need to shield students from tough ideas or criticism. Heterodox academies are where real education still happens—where students still learn to think critically, face tough questions, and grow stronger from the experience. Here are the top 10 2024 "Heterodox acadamies" resisting the "safetyism" that’s suffocating places which ones were great, fostering a culture of open inquiry and merit-based achievement. University of Chicago Princeton University Hillsdale College Claremont McKenna College Stanford University University of Virginia St. John’s College King’s College London Arizona State University Texas A&M University  #CuriosityOverComfort #IntellectualGrowth #FreeSpeechMatters #ResilienceThroughChallenge #Haidt #Lukianoff #CoddlingOfTheAmericanMind #EducationCrisis #CriticalThinking #DebateMatters #AskMoreQuestions #FightSafetyism

Another example of consolidation in the higher education sector. This isn’t the first time the UT System has considered merging the two institutions — the idea was also explored in 2002 and 2010. #JLLEducation #Education #HigherEd #Schools

"WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF ILESA, ILESA, OSUN STATE'S 2024/2025 POST UTME ADMISSION SCREENING" ( *1) About the University:* University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State is a public university owned by the Osun State Government. It is located in the ancient city of Ilesa. All the programmes offered by the University of Ilesa are as approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Appropriate Professional Bodies regulating the Nursing Sciences and Medical Laboratory Science programmes have also granted approval to the University of Ilesa to run the two programmes. ( *2) Would there be a physical Post-UTME screening exercise?* No, there won't be any physical Post-UTME screening exercise because an online screening shall be done for all candidates. Candidates are, therefore, strongly advised to upload the correct information on the University of Ilesa admission portal. ( *3) Are Hostel Accommodations available for Students?* Yes, the University of Ilesa has suitable and well-secure students’ hostels on its campus. Furthermore, affordable apartments, close to the university, are also available for students to rent off-campus. ( *4) What is the University's Minimum "Cut-Off" Mark?* It is a score of 160 in UTME. ( *5) Do I need to sit for the UTME?* Yes. It is only the candidates who sat and had results for the 2024/2025 UTME that are eligible to register for the University of Ilesa's Post-UTME Screening. *(6) How can I apply or register?* The application forms and the details about programmes are available online via the following link: https://lnkd.in/e6Mtt8mQ ( *7) Can I register for the Post-UTME Screening if I didn’t choose UNILESA?* YES, you can register, but first, you will have to change your previous university of choice to UNILESA on the JAMB Portal. ( *8) Will Direct Entry Candidates also apply for Screening?* YES, all candidates for Direct Entry are to be screened to confirm their credentials and eligibility for admission. ( *9) Does the University of Ilesa have "Agents" or "Consultants" for this Admission Exercise?* NO. University of Ilesa has not appointed any "agents" or "consultants" to act on its behalf. Therefore, candidates are advised to be careful not to patronize any self-acclaimed "agent" or "consultant" purporting to be working for UNILESA. ( *10) Any Scholarship Opportunity?* Students studying programmes in Education are eligible to 50% discount in tuition fee with effect from their 200 level, provided they have and maintain a sessional CGPA of 3.5 or above. Some other financial supports are also available for students with outstanding performance in certain departments at the University. (11) The following are the authorized helplines to call for further inquiries: Helplines: +234 803 455 1464 +234 814 393 7232

"WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF ILESA, ILESA, OSUN STATE'S 2024/2025 POST UTME ADMISSION SCREENING" ( *1) About the University:* University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State is a public university owned by the Osun State Government. It is located in the ancient city of Ilesa. All the programmes offered by the University of Ilesa are as approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Appropriate Professional Bodies regulating the Nursing Sciences and Medical Laboratory Science programmes have also granted approval to the University of Ilesa to run the two programmes. ( *2) Would there be a physical Post-UTME screening exercise?* No, there won't be any physical Post-UTME screening exercise because an online screening shall be done for all candidates. Candidates are, therefore, strongly advised to upload the correct information on the University of Ilesa admission portal. ( *3) Are Hostel Accommodations available for Students?* Yes, the University of Ilesa has suitable and well-secure students’ hostels on its campus. Furthermore, affordable apartments, close to the university, are also available for students to rent off-campus. ( *4) What is the University's Minimum "Cut-Off" Mark?* It is a score of 160 in UTME. ( *5) Do I need to sit for the UTME?* Yes. It is only the candidates who sat and had results for the 2024/2025 UTME that are eligible to register for the University of Ilesa's Post-UTME Screening. *(6) How can I apply or register?* The application forms and the details about programmes are available online via the following link: https://lnkd.in/e6Mtt8mQ ( *7) Can I register for the Post-UTME Screening if I didn’t choose UNILESA?* YES, you can register, but first, you will have to change your previous university of choice to UNILESA on the JAMB Portal. ( *8) Will Direct Entry Candidates also apply for Screening?* YES, all candidates for Direct Entry are to be screened to confirm their credentials and eligibility for admission. ( *9) Does the University of Ilesa have "Agents" or "Consultants" for this Admission Exercise?* NO. University of Ilesa has not appointed any "agents" or "consultants" to act on its behalf. Therefore, candidates are advised to be careful not to patronize any self-acclaimed "agent" or "consultant" purporting to be working for UNILESA. ( *10) Any Scholarship Opportunity?* Students studying programmes in Education are eligible to 50% discount in tuition fee with effect from their 200 level, provided they have and maintain a sessional CGPA of 3.5 or above. Some other financial supports are also available for students with outstanding performance in certain departments at the University. (11) The following are the authorized helplines to call for further inquiries: Helplines: +234 803 455 1464 +234 814 393 7232

UGC-NET CANCELLED OVER ‘IRREGULARITY’; CBI PROBE ORDERED Why in the news? The Education Ministry announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam held on 18th June . Source- TH About the News : Cancellation Announcement:This decision followed inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicating the exam’s integrity had been compromised. CBI Investigation:The issue will be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC-NET. NTA Controversy:The NTA is already under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in the NEET exam for medical courses. Purpose of UGC-NET:UGC-NET determines eligibility for Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellowship-Assistant Professor, and Ph.D. admissions.It is held twice a year. Official Statements:The Ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining exam sanctity and protecting students’ interests. A fresh UGC-NET exam will be conducted, with details to be announced later. Student Protests:Students, including those from Jawaharlal Nehru University, plan to protest, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and UGC Chairperson, and the scrapping of the NTA and NEET. Opposition’s Response:Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, questioned why NEET had not been cancelled. Kharge called the UGC-NET cancellation a victory for students and a defeat for the government’s “arrogance.” About National Testing Agency- The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to conduct efficient, transparent, and standardized assessments for admission to higher educational institutions. Major Examinations: NTA conducts several high-stakes entrance examinations, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions, Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering, and Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions in central universities. Standardization and Integrity:The agency employs advanced technology and secure systems to ensure the integrity and reliability of the examinations. This includes rigorous invigilation, digital marking systems, and strict protocols to prevent malpractice and ensure fair conduct. Research and Development:The agency is involved in research to develop and improve testing methodologies.

My thoughts regarding the city of education. JAMSHORO: THE CITY OF EDUCATION Yesterday, a work colleague and I were discussing the state of universities in Jamshoro. He studied at the same institution as I did, making it easy for him to relate to the topic. Our discussion centered around the caption often associated with Jamshoro, which reads "THE CITY OF EDUCATION." On paper, this designation appears legitimate since the name arose due to the presence of several major universities in that small area. These institutions include Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, the University of Sindh, and Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. Having three major universities in such a small town, especially in the early 1970s and 1980s, is indeed a significant achievement. These universities were expected to reach the heights for which they were established, given their enormous potential. However, looking at their current state, it is evident how far they have declined. The University of Sindh is a prime example. Many people from Gilgit have attended this institution, receiving an education that allowed them to settle well in their lives. But now, the things I hear about the university are shocking. There is widespread grouping, political influence, student unions, and countless other divisions within the institution. These issues severely impact daily activities, leading to canceled exams and faculty assaults, among other problems. The city, once renowned for its educational excellence, has been corrupted by politics. Similar stories can be heard about Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, though I am less familiar with Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. When comparing the situation in Sindh to that in Punjab, we observe a steep decline in the quality of education offered in Sindh, along with a lack of co-curricular activities. It is perplexing that Punjab, despite being part of the same country, is far ahead in terms of education. The issue is not that students lack potential, but rather that the system is so deeply flawed that individuals with potential feel compelled to leave the country altogether. A university should be a place where students are groomed and prepared to face life's realities. It is not just about education; it is also about character development. However, the current state of affairs makes me wonder how far we have fallen, and I have concluded that this situation may never change

When applications for competitive college admission are reviewed, they're considered in several contexts: 1) Does the applicant evidence the academic preparation and intellectual capacity to be successful at this school? 2) Has the applicant taken the most competitive courses available, especially in areas related to their major? 3) What makes this applicant unique? (Why the application essay is so important.) 4) How does the applicant compare to others from their HS? 5) Would the applicant benefit the school? For example, if the biomedical engineering department has declined in female-identifying, out of state students, than an academically qualified female-identifying BME applicant from another state is one to admit. This could be true for a French horn player, a soccer goalie, etc. 6) Sometimes an applicant is an "easy" admit. They're academically strong; (coursework rigor, grades, ACT/SAT scores) they're active in things like athletics, the arts, volunteering, working, etc.; their letters of rec are strong; and their application essay made their admission officer fall in love. Even these applicants won't be admitted if their intended major/overall enrollment is capped. So reason #1 for being placed on the waitlist is that an application was reviewed at a time when enrollment was capped. Reason #2 for being placed on the waitlist is that an application was not as strong as others. The applicant is qualified, but the school can't admit every qualified applicant. What should a waitlisted student do? What should they NOT do? DO reply about whether you wish to remain on the waitlist. DON'T panic. You've applied to other excellent matches. Choose one, send an enrollment deposit by May 1st, & decline offers from other schools. DO try to accept that it's unlikely you will attend any school where you are waitlisted. DON’T call the school and ask “where” you are on their waitlist. Students are coded in the database by their current status - like Inquiry, Applicant, Admitted, Enrolled, Waitlisted. When an applicant is labeled as being “Waitlisted”, a query can be run like, “How many chemistry majors are currently on the waitlist?” to receive all the waitlisted chemistry students and their data points like gender, state, GPA, test scores, etc. After the May 1st deadline, (which may change due to FAFSA delays - check your schools!) schools with waitlists will review their enrollment goals. If there are gaps and they can admit more students, they'll use their waitlist to fill them strategically. They won't say, “Oh good, now we can admit Kimberly with the great essay!” but rather, “Oh good, we have enough in-state male nursing applicants to potentially meet our goal!” I say “potentially” because waitlisted applicants offered admission may decline the offer. I hope this was helpful! If you have a child in HS who could use assistance applying to college, please schedule a free consult. I’m happy to answer your questions.

Why SAT Prep is Crucial for College Admissions Success Stanford University will reinstate its requirement for standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, for undergraduate admissions beginning with applicants for the fall 2025 term. This decision follows a review by the faculty Committee on Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid, which concluded that standardized test scores are an important predictor of academic performance at Stanford. The university had previously adopted a test-optional policy during the COVID-19 pandemic but has decided to return to requiring these scores to ensure they have the fullest array of information to evaluate each applicant holistically https://lnkd.in/gpSwEPR7 Yale has announced it will also reinstate its requirement for standardized test scores for admissions, citing that these scores are strong predictors of academic success. This change will take effect for students applying for the fall 2025 term https://lnkd.in/gXk2BrdU... https://lnkd.in/gKEMNMCp Harvard will require standardized tests again starting with the Class of 2029, reversing its temporary test-optional policy. The decision is based on studies that highlight the predictive value of standardized test scores for academic success https://lnkd.in/gzCbuBVT... Caltech has reinstated the requirement for SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission beginning in fall 2024. The university emphasized the importance of these tests in evaluating the academic preparedness of applicants https://lnkd.in/gaCqV_94... These articles reflect a broader trend among highly selective universities reassessing the role of standardized tests in the admissions process. The return to requiring SAT and ACT scores indicates a renewed emphasis on these exams as valuable tools for predicting student success and ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of applicants. #SATPrepMatters #CollegeAdmissions #FutureSuccess

Thinking about getting a Ph.D.? 10 things prospective doctoral students need to be told: 1. The primary reason you are in this program is to benefit its faculty, including increasing their reputation and the reputation of the school. 2. Your performance will be held to a purposefully vague standard, which is as follows: "you will only succeed if you do better than the other students and scholars in the discipline; you will likely fail if you are only an average scholar." Students who fail to acknowledge that the Lake Wobegon Effect applies to them cannot hold the school or faculty accountable for an unrealistic standard. 3. There is zero obligation, on the part of the faculty or the school, to help you obtain a tenure-track position after graduation. 4. If you fail to obtain a tenure-track position or a post-doc, after graduation, the faculty and the school accepts zero responsibility for helping you find other areas of employment. 5. There is no obligation, on the part of faculty, to be available to students on a regular schedule. Students agree to not hold faculty liable for consistently prioritizing their individual needs over students' needs. 6. There is no obligation, on the part of your committee chair, to mediate between your other committee members in cases where they cannot agree on issues related to method, data collection, analysis, or relevant literature; it is expected that you must please all committee members, even if they disagree with each other. 7. You agree to not hold the university, school, or individual faculty members liable for creating and sustaining a psychologically unsafe work environment through their likely yelling, threats, harassment, and/or impossible demands. In all cases, the university will unrelentingly defend accused faculty (especially if they are tenured) under the principle of "academic freedom." 8. You agree to not challenge the university's classification of your work, as a graduate assistant, as anything other than being a student. Calling your work "employment," even though you will be asked to work excessively, for little pay, primarily to benefit others, and under hostile conditions, is not allowed under any circumstances. 9. The faculty in the program have zero obligation to help you graduate in a timely manner. You agree to not hold faculty liable even though they may purposefully delay your graduation so that your work services as a graduate assistant can be continued, indefinitely, for their benefit. 10. Do not expect faculty to be truthful about the reality of being a professor on the tenure-track. They cannot speak of the conditions similar to those you will experience as a graduate student, such as working in a psychologically unsafe environment; abuse and harassment; being held to an impossibly high and vague standard for success; and working in an environment that rewards ruthless competition, individualism, and zero-sum games. #highereducation #doctoralstudent #doctoraljourney