A Chicago Tribune investigation finds prospective students on a "clout list" are getting into the University of Illinois even if they don't have stellar test scores or GPA's. University trustees and politicians track this list. 77-percent of the 800 applicants placed on it since 2005 got accepted. Many times, this happened over the objections of admissions officers.
I've overheard parents talking about the article and expressing a bit of anger over this. On the other hand, should we be THAT surprised? If a high-profile Harvard University alum urged school officials to accept a particular applicant, wouldn't they strongly consider it? Probably. But, Harvard isn't a PUBLIC university.
U of I President Joseph White scheduled a meeting for Monday to discuss this matter with staff and adminstrators. It'll be interesting to hear what they decide.
Your thoughts?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-college-clout-31-may31,0,7230960.story
