I am a retired high school teacher (all levels of Physics from poetic to AP
or IB for 40 years). I have been reading with interest and smiling with
recognition about the data from many of you.
This item from Bluffton caught my attention:
"When we evaluate applicants for admission and scholarships we look at four
things... [1] ACT/SAT score, [2] HS GPA, [3] HS class rank, [4] letters of
recommendation. Which of these is the best predictor of success in college?
Think about that for a second or two before reading the next paragraph."
I was very sad to think that the hours I spent trying to paint a picture of
a student in a letter were for naught. Having read many letters for a
scholarship application, I can say that although all were "supportive" much
was learned by the tone and enthusiasm. I know there were some letters I
needed to struggle over, and I suspect that was obvious and that the
applicant did not belong at a top flight school. Others were so easy to
write......not my worry any more.
As for grade inflation...grrr. Such pressure from all sides. Let me tell a
tale. Several years ago 4 of my AP (calc based) students, all carrying a 4.0
avg, were called from my class to the Assistant Principal's office. When
they came back they were collectively livid! Apparently the AP had asked how
things were going and if they might need any administrative help in
maintaining their 4.0. Egad! My next conversation with that AP was colorful
for both the inference, the lack of respect shown them and me and for the
disregard of the student's class time. Then there was the girl who, in the
last quarter my AP class, lost her 4.0 despite our best efforts. She had
great perseverence that would not show up in raw data.