Recreation or Academics?

According to Charles Lane writing in the Washington Post, the market for college undergraduates, in recent years, has become more competitive than ever before. Every college is attempting to create an enticing atmosphere for potential students. The disturbing aspect for American culture today is that far too many students are not as concerned with the academic aspect of college as they are with the social. Universities have responded to this growing desire by introducing deluxe recreational facilities to their campuses that have nothing to do with education. Though it is understandable that academics are not for everyone, the idea of a college shifting its priorities from academics to recreation has to be disturbing . A prospective undergraduate may choose to attend a school with amenities instead of a college that may produce better long term results. College is an opportunity for students to develop as people, and prepare themselves for the “real world”. However, they can’t do that if they are basing their college decision on which school has the nicest facilities.

Personally, I agree with Mr. Lane’s view. I feel that this emerging trend among universities to spend outrageous amounts of money on needless upgrades takes away from student’s opportunities to change as people. To me, the fundamental objective for every college student should be to experience personal growth. Both academics and extracurricular activities offer a chance for students to learn more about themselves and progress as people. However, items such as rock climbing walls, expansive gymnasiums, and luxurious dormitories do not offer these life changing experiences that make college a special place. If student’s begin to base their college decisions based on the school with the most lavish facilities, then the aspect of personal growth is lost.

Of course, not every college needs to experience a transformation like this. Some institutions are so prestigious that students are eager to apply just for the opportunity to attend. These universities do not have to make expensive alterations to their campuses to in order to attract applicants, because prospective undergraduates actively seek out the school. The problem lies with the smaller, more recently established institutions as well as the large state schools who are desperately looking for students. Universities cannot afford to fall behind their competitors, as they are competing for the same students. Therefore, as soon as one school builds a water park, a rival school is sure to follow. I feel that, eventually, this shift away from academics could have a negative effect on students. A prospective undergraduate may choose to attend a school with amenities instead of a college that may produce better long term results.

As a result of this shift away from education, graduates are leaving college having missed the opportunity for personal growth. They don’t know who they are or what they want to do. They haven’t pushed themselves academically, and therefore they are not as prepared as they ought to be to enter the workforce. If college is not preparing people for the workforce or even offering them personal growth, then what is the point of higher education in America?