Over the years I’ve gained some insights into
the reasons why prospective college students might choose
one school over another. Many of my observations are
based on anecdotal evidence, but this year, as the father
of a college-bound son, I’ve watched the decision-making
process from a front-row seat.
Today’s high school juniors and seniors are bombarded
by glossy recruiting materials, multimedia presentations,
college telemarketers, and the sensory overload of college
recruiting fairs. Competition for students with high SAT
and ACT test scores is especially fierce, and IT finds itself
in the middle of the fray. The applicants who meet the college’s
admissions standards are the same top-notch students coveted
by leading private colleges and public universities around
the country.
Various factors can influence a prospective student’s
decision to matriculate at the University. If students
are looking for mountains or ocean beaches, then Minnesota
is not the place for them. If they want the social,
recreational, and cultural advantages of a large metropolitan
area, they’ll find life in the Twin Cities richly
rewarding. If they prefer a small-college environment,
IT offers those advantages within the framework of a
comprehensive research university: IT admits less than
800 freshmen, similar to a medium-size college. If they
are seeking a world-class education in engineering,
science, or math, IT is definitely the place to be,
especially for students graduating from a Minnesota
high school.
But if the University and several other schools—each
one offering attractive possibilities—are courting
a talented student, then scholarships can tip the balance
in IT’s favor. The three Goldwater Scholars profiled
in this issue—each one an outstanding college prospect—could
have chosen from any number of excellent schools, including
the University. Although their reasons for choosing
IT reflect personal values and circumstances, all three
also opted to come here because IT and the University
offered both the education they wanted and the scholarships
that made their education more affordable. Soon these
gifted young people will be in graduate school and later
will embark on what promises to be remarkable, productive
careers.
With University tuition rates rising and state support
decreasing as a percentage of educational costs, IT
will find it increasingly difficult to attract top students
unless we have more merit- and need-based scholarships
to offer incoming and current students.
Our $160 million campaign goal includes $20 million
for scholarships. With one year remaining in the campaign,
we've reached the $11 million mark in scholarship gifts,
and your help is needed to fulfill this very important
need. If you’ve considered creating a named scholarship,
now is the time to act.
You can help ensure that no student is denied an IT
education for lack of financial assistance. The decision
you make today will help our brightest, most creative
young people pursue their dreams of making a difference
in the world.
