Who's Who Among Outstanding Students
One of my boys got an invitationto be featured in the 2006-2007 edition of Who's Who Among Outstanding Students in America. While I think this falls short of a scam, it basically follows the same pattern that you see among vanity publishers of poetry and geneology books. Mass mailings are sent to a cohort of which a percentage will respond by eventually paying for an expensive but otherwise unread book.
posted by My Mall and News at
8:14 PM
5 Comments:
okay whatever i got in whoswho and its great i get to tbe reconized above everyone else. so hummppfff
I do agree to a certain degree. It is designed to raise funds. I however, see it as a political move. The more recognition and alcalades a child recieves the better their status in the school system. (ie) An honor roll student with many awards under their belt will be seen as more responsible and trustworthy. Less likely to have problems and perhaps given privliages other students don't have. Peers will be more likely to respect them. As far as my child is concernd it's a reward for a job well done and an incentive to keep up the good work. Other opportunites arise from each thing you partipate in. With collage being so expensive I'm hoping for scolarships. Get your name out there more and more will come to you.
So in telling your child that it's a scam what are you saying. That he/she isn't worthy of the honor? Or that any time someone wants to reward you it's really and alterier motive not because you deserve it?
It's called a business. You can either take advantage of it, or toss it. It's America- therefore your personal choice. With so much negativity in the world, being recognized for your accomplishments is worth it.
No it is not a scam, however it was expensive. It was well worth it, because I am using it in my college applications now. That kind of thing can't look bad.
You can believe that it will improve your chances of getting into college if you want, but as the spouse of someone who works in an admissions department for a well-known university I can tell you that most admissions committees consider these types of "honors" at to be bunk. Admissions officers weren't born yesterday, and at least some of them think these lists are exploitive of students & parents desperate to get an edge up. Do you really want to look desperate and unsophisticated? Wouldn't you rather let your son's real accomplishments shine through and not taint them with a thinly-veiled vanity "award"?
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