If you haven’t already heard, the University of Illinois has recently come under fire for admitting a number of students with prominent relatives or connections, members of the so-called “clout list”.  Until today, I was fairly indifferent on the matter.  I didn’t like the fact that my school was being discussed in a negative manner in the paper every day, but I thought it would pass in a few days.  Now, however, it has come to light that in 2007, 11 people were admitted ahead of 149 others who had much better applications.  I’m sure the actual number is much higher.  This happens to be the year I applied and was wait-listed twice.

I’m very torn.  On the one hand, I should be happy that I’m here now and very much enjoying my time.  Although I had to take a one year detour, in the end I was accepted.  So far, it has been completely worth that one year away.  On a different front, I’m certain this type of thing occurs at all colleges across the country.  At the “Ivy League” schools, there are brilliant, hard working students denied every year because Daddy takes the Chancellor to a Yankees game every year, allowing his son or daughter to attend the university.  That’s just the way the world works.  As the saying goes, “it’s all who you know”.  But does that make it right?  Part of me wants to punch some university employees squarely in the face.  It’s not fair that someone with more impressive credentials gets passed over because somebody knows somebody else.  Private universities can do whatever they want because they are, well, private, but a public state school?  That’s borderline ridiculous.  My parents both pay state taxes ever year, a small portion of which go to the university system.  It is not unreasonable to expect that those funds are used in a fair and appropriate manner.

My point is not that these kids or even the school administrators should be vilified.  They are simply acting accordingly within a flawed system.  The fact that the system is flawed is the part that sucks.  I’m sure I will benefit greatly in the future by knowing people in high places and receiving favors.  Like I said before, that’s just how the world works.  Right now, though, I feel a little bit jipped.