Random Thoughts? More like Randumb

by **Trent Steele** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 11:00:54

It's a good thing anytime the illusion of meritocracy is exposed for what it is.

My son took the SATs on Saturday. He is probably going to improve from his PSATs by something like 150 points and will have the opportunity to get into some good schools because of that. He is able to do that because I am able to spend thousands of dollars to prepare for him a test through individual tutoring. Most people don't have that luxury (my parents did not). The system is always gamed for those who can afford it.

Do I think that is a good thing? No. I am rushing to change that? Sure, once my kids are out of school.

by **azrider** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 11:34:51

the cheating is what it is. honestly what percent of student population was truly affected. there's always going to be kids that get in that shouldn't and kids that don't who should. my issue is with these unpaid/very low paid internships that only the wealthy kids can really take. those fancy corporations on the resume go a long way as a springboard into their respective careers. it really is an unfair advantage.

by **JUburton** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 11:57:55

Trent Steele wrote:It's a good thing anytime the illusion of meritocracy is exposed for what it is.

My son took the SATs on Saturday. He is probably going to improve from his PSATs by something like 150 points and will have the opportunity to get into some good schools because of that. He is able to do that because I am able to spend thousands of dollars to prepare for him a test through individual tutoring. Most people don't have that luxury (my parents did not). The system is always gamed for those who can afford it.

Do I think that is a good thing? No. I am rushing to change that? Sure, once my kids are out of school.

https://jezebel.com/all-the-greedy-youn ... 1782508801

Basically this. I took a crappy DCCC SAT prep and increased my score by 20 points...and then I just did the goddamn work on my own and did a lot of practice and got an 800/700. It's not that you can't do it on your own with a 30 dollar book, it's just a lot harder. Thousands of dollars on tutoring that keeps you accountable makes it much easier.

Did the same for the LSAT. I spent hours and hours and hours going through every practice test (which are just former real tests), scouring forums analyzing questions I just couldn't wrap my head around at first. I scored in the 99th percentile. Probably cost a couple hundred dollars and that was doing it the 'hard/cheap' way. And even that is decent money for someone who is probably about to spend 500-1000 on applications.

Is this all a brag? Yes, mostly. But I admit that I was even privileged in high school because I had the time to devote to studying that someone who had to get a job or help raise siblings or watch family members wouldn't have the luxury of.

by **Slowhand** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:02:58

Trent Steele wrote:It's a good thing anytime the illusion of meritocracy is exposed for what it is.

My son took the SATs on Saturday. He is probably going to improve from his PSATs by something like 150 points and will have the opportunity to get into some good schools because of that. He is able to do that because I am able to spend thousands of dollars to prepare for him a test through individual tutoring. Most people don't have that luxury (my parents did not). The system is always gamed for those who can afford it.

Do I think that is a good thing? No. I am rushing to change that? Sure, once my kids are out of school.

I mean, there is certainly an advantage in being able to pay for advanced tutoring, etc. but I wouldn't call it an unfair one. And I don't think it's something you need to feel weird or guilty about. (Not that you said you did). This is assuming, of course, it was really your son taking the exam and not a paid ringer, which is basically what this whole scandal about.

by **Slowhand** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:06:24

Also, if you could adopt me, that'd be swell.

by **JUburton** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:13:38

I mean, Trent is right. His kid had a leg up on furthering his education just because his dad is rich. It's not immoral or unethical on his part, but it's bad in the grand scheme.

by **Soren** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:27:26

Speaking of the illusion of meritocracy and spending money to get money...My brother is paying $400/month for a career counselor. He also paid $800 for some kind of test to help her narrow the field for him.

by **Slowhand** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:31:40

Well, career counselor sounds like a good racket.

by **Trent Steele** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:33:34

Slowhand wrote:
Trent Steele wrote:It's a good thing anytime the illusion of meritocracy is exposed for what it is.

My son took the SATs on Saturday. He is probably going to improve from his PSATs by something like 150 points and will have the opportunity to get into some good schools because of that. He is able to do that because I am able to spend thousands of dollars to prepare for him a test through individual tutoring. Most people don't have that luxury (my parents did not). The system is always gamed for those who can afford it.

Do I think that is a good thing? No. I am rushing to change that? Sure, once my kids are out of school.

I mean, there is certainly an advantage in being able to pay for advanced tutoring, etc. but I wouldn't call it an unfair one. And I don't think it's something you need to feel weird or guilty about. (Not that you said you did). This is assuming, of course, it was really your son taking the exam and not a paid ringer, which is basically what this whole scandal about.

Totally. I don't feel guilty (he took the test since i was unaware of this scam at the time); in fact, I would have felt guilty not paying for all the prep work.

I think my point is that.....there is no such thing as meritocracy. It's silly to delude yourself. Some people make it on merit for sure, but that doesn't mean the system is merit-based. If it wasn't money that gave a leg up, it would be something else. Bloodlines. Ability to be a sycophant. It's not unique to our country or culture or time. Shining the light can help make improvements, which is a positive.

by **Soren** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:40:39

Slowhand wrote:Well, career counselor sounds like a good racket.

Yep. That said he's an incredibly bright straight A student with a math degree that hasn't even sniffed a job interview yet. He spent the last year working at a movie theater and being crushingly depressed. It's money well spent if this helps him turn the tide.

by **Wheels Tupay** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 13:35:41

peppers are banging.

by **Wheels Tupay** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 15:08:49

So we are all in agreement that Trent is fully to blame for this whole scandal, right?

by **thephan** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 15:35:15

There was a click bait thing on a website that said "10 Warning Signs that Something is Wrong with Your Health", and it shows an image of a pregnant woman.

by **The Dude** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 15:39:38

i don't get it

by **PrattRules** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 20:30:01

Wheels Tupay wrote:peppers are banging.

depends on which ones you're talking about

by **PrattRules** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 20:48:47

That modern day fresh prince video making the rounds is quite something.

by **Bucky** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 23:33:36

This room is quite a disappointment after the prime Ministers Suite

by **swishnicholson** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 23:35:46

PrattRules wrote:
Wheels Tupay wrote:peppers are banging.

depends on which ones you're talking about

by **swishnicholson** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 14:16:17

by **thephan** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 15:38:10

thephan wrote:There was a click bait thing on a website that said "10 Warning Signs that Something is Wrong with Your Health", and it shows an image of a pregnant woman.

I'm wondering if there is something going crazy with something. today there is one that says "40 creative ways to use a miffin tin" and it has Jason Momoa with 4 or 5 other people pictured. Maybe it is a test.

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