News

2 — Wednesday, May 4, 2022 — North Pointe

NEWS College admission rates reach an all time low

By Grace Cueter, Bee Bielak, Alyssa King & Parker O'Neill MANAGING EDITOR, SECTION EDITOR, STAFF REPORTER & INTERN

In past months, the graduating class of 2022 saw a sharp decline in admission rates at many top schools. The top 100 schools from the US News’ College Rankings List reported noticeably lower acceptance rates compared to past years. Ivy League universities, especially, released acceptance rates that the country has never seen. While these prestigious schools' admissions statistics usually remain between five and ten percent, many dropped below, including Harvard which released their statistic of a 3.2 percent acceptance rate for the class of 2022. This dramatic decline in acceptances can be linked to an increase in applications.

When COVID-19 caused a worldwide shutdown in 2020, it became very difficult for many students to take the standardized tests required for a college application. To resolve this issue, over two thirds of the 2,330 fouryear colleges in the US allowed test-optional admissions through 2023, according to the New York Times. While this relieved the stress of many applicants, it also pushed a large number of students to apply to schools that they might not if tests were required. This increase in applicants with stable admittance numbers caused a natural, yet dramatic decrease in acceptance rates.

Adding to the list of boxes to check on an application, each student was now tasked with the decision of whether or not to submit their test scores. Independent academic consultant Karen French, who acts as a college admissions coach for many students, feels that there are both positives and negatives to testoptional admissions. While they allow applicants to be viewed as more than just a test score, they bring uncertainty as to whether or not applications with and without test scores will be equally considered.

“They're looking for other ways to understand students and their abilities outside of just GPA and test scores,” French said. “I think that's a positive. But what happens so much in life is what we think is a relief always has other reverberations right down the road. There's no action without a reaction.”

In her more than 10 years of experience with admissions, French has noticed a shift in what colleges consider impressive, one that has made GPAs and test scores less of a focus. While those academic accomplishments are very important in an application, schools have become increasingly interested in students who truly know their skills and interests.

“I have noted that a characteristic admired by most admissions officers is passion,” French said. “They just love to see a student who has taken initiative, had an interest, developed a passion and just sort of blossomed in that passion.”

While test scores are decreasing in their level of importance, counselor Kimberly Deptula notes that they can increase scholarship opportunities and gives insight into the possible benefits of sharing test scores. “I would say that they're valuing the rigor of the curriculum more,” Deptula said. “I would also say that for students who have test scores that are above the average, for a lot of schools, that's really working to their benefit. We're seeing that even if a school is test-optional, submitting test scores can be really advantageous to students' applications.”

Applicants are not alone in the fear resulting from the decreasing acceptance rates. Many colleges have noticed the dramatic drop as well, and are worried about its possible effects. Because of this, some schools, such as Princeton University, have decided to withhold their admission statistics. According to the Daily Princetonian, the university does not want low admission rates to cause anxiety in students and possibly discourage them from applying entirely.

While admission statistics are certainly a factor that students consider when applying to colleges, senior Luke Borowski believes that they are not the only thing to consider when applying. He says that the amount of essays that are often required on an application can feel like a large task.

“It was hard doing a lot of different essays for each school and sometimes could feel like an overwhelming process,” Borowski said. “Reaching out to the amazing faculty at Grosse Pointe North, whether it were a counselor or teacher, really helped me in my application process, along with the support of my family.”

As one of the many that are part of the support offered to students, Deptula gives future applicants advice amidst the constantly changing application process and standards.

“I would say students who are applying for the next admission cycle can already be working on their activities list,” Deptula said. “They can be brainstorming on their essay, and continuing to keep their grades up at the end of their junior year. And, staying in contact with their counselor is so important because we can help with every step of the process.”

The drop in admission rates has sparked fear in many applicants, however French says that it is not something that students should be worried about. She emphasizes the idea that every student can find the school that is the right fit for them, and it will not always be one with an acceptance rate below 10%. “That dramatic pace is really at the most selective schools,” French said. “There's so many amazing colleges. Kids don't need to necessarily worry, it's a trend, but it's not across the board in all colleges.”

Opening of emergency oil reserve reduces gas prices

By Elly Meteer & Lauren Veitengruber STAFF REPORTERS

ELLY METEER

SEEKING ALTERNATIVES | The abrupt rise in fuel costs have impacted the approach vehicle owners have taken to avoid the unexpected price hikes, according to Ray Laethem Buick GMC Senior Sales Representative Matt Frame. “The hope is eventually [while] owning a electric car the overall cost will be cheaper than a [gas-fueled] car,” Frame said.

As heightened gasoline prices have sparked a wave of unease throughout communities in the United States, President Joe Biden has responded by initiating a withdrawal from the U.S emergency oil reserve to reduce the rising costs. According to the Department of Energy, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is one of the world's largest emergency oil reserves, and with assistance, it will deliver one million barrels of oil every day over the next six months in order to reduce gas prices. Those who rely on gas to power their vehicles are dismayed by the rise in gas costs, as it is a crucial resource for transportation, even locally when it comes to daily commutes to and from a school or job.

Alternatives for transportation were explored as rising costs hindered travel. Due to fuel’s role in traveling, physical education teacher Joe Drouin sought solutions to avoid potential conflicts as he prepares for a summer of distanced driving due to his son’s athletic commitments.

“[Gas prices] were getting to the point [of impacting me personally] because during the summer I travel a lot for my son’s sports,” Drouin said. “So, we were looking at different ways to possibly carpool, or maybe even cutting out a tournament.”

While short-term solutions have been considered, long-term remedies to avoid the price escalation are expected to impact the auto industry. According to sales professional Matt Frame at Ray Laethem Buick GMC, due to the persistent high costs associated with owning a gasoline-fueled vehicle, the transition to battery-powered vehicles has become a topic of discussion.

“Gas prices have brought awareness to the future of electric [vehicles],” Frame said. “People were a little hesitant in the past and now that they see how volatile fuel prices can be they’re going to be more open to going electric. ”

As opposed to trading in his car for a more fuel efficient vehicle, Drouin opted for monitoring his fuel tank. He turned to the method of assessing the amount of fuel he uses commuting to school everyday and changed how often he topped off his tank. Additionally, to save money while purchasing, Drouin began to utilize reward systems.

“When gas prices were at their highest I didn’t let my gas tank go below a half so I was filling up more frequently,” Drouin said. “I try to stay with Speedway because I have Speedway rewards, so I gain points from everytime I fill up.”

In addition to the local community members that have been affected by the increases in gas prices, the student drivers at Grosse Pointe North have also been impacted by the shift. Junior Lily Parker drives a Jeep Wrangler, which is her main form of transportation to not only school, but also sports and after school activities. Parker has resorted to alternating how often, and how much she fills her tank.

“For ¾ tank the price is usually around $50,” Parker said. “I started refilling my tank before it reached ¼ left so it would cost less to fill up.”

As costs soared with the surge of concern within citizens’ lives and methods of avoidance, Drouin suggests the exemplified impacts would have continued to barrage Grosse Pointe, however the cost of gas has now been on a consistent decline in price since the federal government stepped in.

“Luckily we’re at a situation now with everything being released I saw gas was back down to $3.60 today,” Drouin said. “I think if the [high] gas prices lasted longer, then there would’ve been a larger effect on us as a community.”

Keeping it Brief

By Sophia Dragich SECTION EDITOR

Changes to graduation

In past years, graduation has always been planned to occur outside, with poor weather causing it to be moved into the gym and limits being placed on the number of guests. However, this year, graduation will be held outside and moved to a rain date if there is inclement weather.

According to Student Activities Director Peggy Bonbrisco, the main reason the district decided to include space for a rain date in the schedule was to avoid placing a limit on the number of people who could attend the ceremony.

“This year we will have North’s graduation on [June] 6th and then we will have our rain date on [June] 7th, meaning no one will [have to] go inside,” Bonbrisco said. “It’ll still be an outdoor graduation [because] that’s the one we always strive to have. We’ll still have our 3,000 chairs outside both days.”

Prom returns to normal

While there may be some changes to the graduation dates, this year’s prom will essentially return to normal. Seniors will once again be allowed to bring guests to prom, something that was not allowed last year due to the district’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

Senior Ana Todesco is one of many seniors who are glad about the guest policy for prom.

“I think it’s really cool that people can bring dates from other schools unlike [at] Homecoming,” Todesco said. “I’m looking forward to other senior events too, like the Senior All Night party.”

Continuing Decision Day traditions

Although graduation and prom may be experiencing some changes, Decision Day went forward as usual. On April 29, seniors shared their post-graduation plans by posting on social media wearing gear from their future college. As in past years, seniors were invited to share their post-graduation plans through the class Instagram page. According to Class of 2022 senator Paul Ciaravino, the account accepted information and shared posts to honor the students.

“All the seniors [were able to] put up their future plans or what they plan to major in and then submit a picture [to the class Instagram account],” Ciaravino said. “[We posted] each senior and their plans so everyone [could] see.”