Essay on The American Dream
The American Dream in Death of a Salesman, The Great Gatsby, and Maggie: A Girl of the Streets Millions of immigrants come to America each year to seek their American Dream. Many people believe that rising social mobility and success is possible in America for everyone due to the American social, economic, and political system. From Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, countless Americans have risen from rags to riches and success. However, is the Dream...show more content...
The reason that Willy does not succeed in accomplishing his goal is because:
Reality falls short of the dream in part because man chooses the wrong dream. And man chooses the wrong dream because he does not know himself....[h]e never achieves a sense of personal dignity and of his rightful place in society because, not knowing who he is, he cannot make the right choices. The theme of the play, then, seems to be that every man must come to know himself or he is lost (Eisinger)
For example, many of Willy's desires are agrarian based, including wanting his own house or homestead and growing his own food to provide for his family. Willy also enjoys working outdoors with his hands. However, because of the social pressures around him to accomplish a white–collared dream, he chooses the popular dream of a salesman. In addition, Willy creates a façade of success around himself. Therefore, he is devastated and loses his personal dignity with the loss of his job. In the article, "Dead Suit Walking", Rich Marin and Tony Dokoupil show that the loss of a job can cause men to feel they are losing their manhood. By boxing himself into a socially imposed dream, Willy fails miserably and becomes unhappy as he feels unfulfilled.
In contrast to Willy, several other characters in the play are able to achieve their dreams. For example, Dave Singleman is a successful salesman who achieves "[s]uccess, esteem, and affection... and
Analytical Essay: The American Dream
The American Dream
The American dream is the belief that anyone, from anywhere, can make a living for themselves and their family. That any man or woman can come up from the bottom and grasp for the grail that dangles before them with enough hard work. However now a days the "American Dream" seems to be exactly what we call it, a dream. A synthetic living belief that people only need to make it into America to have a better life when that simply just is not the case. The American Dream was and is an amazing idea, in theory at least. A theory that all will find work, that all will have jobs, and that none shall be left behind on the train of prosperity that we call America. But when this dream is applied to the Americans in todays society it falls short, where those who don't get what they want lose their faith and soon find them selves not in gods...show more content...
Semenian was more about providing for his family then for himself. Although he did make it big as the "Golden Junk Man" that was not his intent. From the beginning all joules wanted was for his children to be educated, for them to speak like sophisticated young men. Joules believed that everything he did should be for his sons. Joules felt if he gave them a chance at an education he never had, that when they grew up they would have skills needed to support themselves. Joules also strongly believed his success was judged on how much he could provide his family. This soon became a corruptive force in J. Semenian life, as he became more and more out of touch with his precious sons and more concerned with his junk yards "now in 12 locations." Only when his cousin Constantine asked him "where are your sons J. Semenian?" did he finally have a epiphany where he realized his American dream of becoming the golden junk man meant nothing without his sons. In other words "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Mathew 16:26 to J. Semenian his sons were his
The American Dream Essay
The idea of the American dream revolves around attaining happiness, success and equality. For higher wealth classes obtaining these components aren't a concern; but for many, the American Dream has become a nightmare. For the poor being able to obtain simple necessities such as food, clothing and shelter is a daily struggle. The price of being poor is a lot costlier then those in the realm of the wealthy. Based on the current economic and social systems in America it does not provide everyone with a fair chance to achieve the "American Dream". In todays society many Americans believe money is the only way to happiness. True or not true, money certainly isn't a hindrance to obtaining the necessary components for survival. But if the American Dream is no longer about happiness and freedom it becomes solely about wealth and possession. "Money cannot buy happiness." (Anonymous, Spring Board pg.81) represents the concept that money doesn't necessarily play apart in your emotional well–being. Today, materialism is more important than character. Money isn't everything; you don't need it to be happy and certainly not to achieve "The American Dream". In addition to that, although money can jump–start your future it can also drive you into the ground. Dana Gioia, the author of "Money", says "...Money holds heads above water..." Implying money plays a crucial part in keeping your dreams alive while America demands so much. Although finances are a building block to ones version of the
Essay about The American Dream: John F. Kenedy
The American Dream
John F. Kennedy
Everyone has his or her own definition of what "The American Dream" is and what is means. Some, however, may believe this dream is in reality, a cultural nightmare. This "dream" was first created as a set of ideals and ethics that would be promised to all citizens in America. James Truslow Adams first used this notion in the novel, The Epic America. He writes: The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of...show more content...
His brothers Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy and Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy also were in politics and served as senators while his sister, Jean Ann Kennedy, served as a United States Ambassador to Ireland. His other siblings included, Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kennedy, Jr., who fought in WWII, and his other sisters, Rose Mary "Rosemary" Kennedy, Kathleen Agnes "Kick" Kennedy, Eunice Mary Kennedy, and Patricia Helen "Pat" Kennedy (JFK, n.d.). Over the years, Kennedy attended many private schools throughout the Northeast. For his high school year, John F. Kennedy attended the prestigious boarding school of Choate in Wallingford, Connecticut. John, living in his football star and scholar of a brother's shadow, showed a more rebellious and defiant side by misbehaving and executing notorious pranks. During this time he also experienced health problems that were later diagnosed as colitis. Kennedy graduated high school in June 1935 and was named "Most Likely To Succeed" (SparkNotes Editors, 2005). After battling with hospitalization and recovery for a year, Kennedy enrolled at Harvard College in 1936. His experience at Harvard was much like his former experience at Choate. Kennedy was always in the shadow of his older "more intelligent and driven" brother, Joe (SparkNotes Editors, 2005). John's grades weren't always the best and he seemed to focus more on sports and his social life rather that academics. He was
The American Dream
The American Dream
The American Dream is what most Americans in today's world strive for. It is all about beauty, fame, and wealth. Beauty leads to fame and fame leads to wealth. That contradicts the transcendental values that are self–reliance, nonconformity, love for nature, intuition over reason, and simplified life. There are a lot of immigrants coming to America because they want to live the American Dream. According to: ("HOLLYWOOD DREAMS OF WEALTH, YOUTH, AND BEAUTY"), it says, "Hollywood has long been inspiring immigrants to come to the U.S. with images that filled them with overstated optimism about what they'd find here." Hollywood wants to make the American Dream come true for everybody. The American Dream gives hope to...show more content...
For example, people were polled and they could choose up to as many options as they wanted and 76% of people chose Financial Well–Being. In the Financial Well–Being category, some options were having a job that is meaningful, the opportunity to achieve success in their career, to be financially secure, and to have a sense of personal achievement in life. ("The American Dream"). By being famous, people feel like they have a meaning in life and it makes them feel important. Transcendentalism wants people to feel like they are enough on their own and they don't need to be famous to be happy.
However, wealth is what the American Dream is about. When people are wealthy, they can afford whatever they want. They are always one up from others because they are able to have nice vehicles, house, & clothes. Transcendentalism is living life the simple way without all the materialistic things in life. They don't have to struggle with money, so they live very comfortably. People that aren't living the American dream look up to the people that are able to live that lifestyle. They see movies and wish they could live like that. Which is why when people come to visit from overseas, they think the American Dream sounds like a nice way to live. According to, ("HOLLYWOOD DREAMS OF WEALTH,
The American dream is about working hard for what you are trying to achieve. The American dream comes from our past clear down to today and with influences it becomes a superior ambition. Even though the dream grows more throughout time; the dream is stronger and it's easier to achieve what you want to have in this nation as a dreamer.
The American dream has been discussed in literature for more than two centuries in our history. Way earlier in time before anything, our first used way of the American dream was not recognized, yet it was done by the first people in the Americas known as the Puritans. "From John Winthrop and the Puritan search for an earthly "city upon a hill" in the New World" (Meacham). This was the first lived American...show more content...
This quote talks about how the American dream comes to be about being on good wages and making better ways to be an individual in a new country or even in another town or city. Franklin D. Roosevelt was purveyors of hope and dreams in our history, but his hopes were high and his rector Endicott Peabody told him, "Things in life will not always run smoothly. Sometimes we will be rising toward the heights – then all will seem to reverse itself and start down. The great fact to remember is that the trend of civilization itself is forever up, that a line drawn through the middle of the peaks and the valleys of the centuries always has an up trend," (Meacham). This statement is true in all of its ways because life is hard no matter where you first begin and there are always going to be challenges that you have to strive through in order to achieve your goal. The American dream was a major part of these people in our history because they were going through many difficult times that made them dream of "better, richer, and happier" lives; that our earlier historian had written in one of his books (Meacham). The years passed by yet there were many influences that had great success contributing to the American
The American Dream Essay
The American dream isn't big, it isn't small and it isn't defined as something specific the american dream isn't dreamed by anyone specific, it isn't according to culture or religion or color. It's based on courage, motivation, strength and dignity. The people who can live the American dream are the people who believe they can. I believe no matter what age, culture, religion, race,or color you are you can achieve your American dream if you believe you can. Whoopi Goldberg said once, "i am the american dream. Epitome of what the American dream basically said, you could come from anywhere and be anything you want in this country: that's exactly what i've done. I am where i am today because i believe in all possibilities." I believe that anyone can achieve the American dream , you can work hard at a young age and become successful. You can go wrong all your life and be 52 years old and still start and finish your American dream. From Michelle Obama, "if your family doesn't have much money, i want you to remember that in this country, plenty of folks including me and my husband. We started out with very little but with a lot of hardwork and good education, anything is possible – even becoming the president, that's what the American dream is about. The poem "who burns for the perfection of paper" by martin espada it talks about his experience with his American dream from being in high school struggling but working hard "hands oozing till both palms burning" (84). To being
Argumentative Essay: The American Dream
" I don't believe that the American Dream should be reserved for those who are born into the elite or somehow have been given an advantage over others. My growing–up experience is probably the most important thing that guides my priorities and my work today" – Ken Salazar. The American Dream was a powerful statement that many people believed to be true since it was first established in 1931. It states that "it is a dream of a land in which life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" – James Truslow Adams. America is the land of the free and you should accomplish what you want in life based on what you, alone, can accomplish. Surowiecki states that the American Dream...show more content...
Back then, many white Americans had the big houses with a white picket fence and a family of four with a beautiful car. It was starting to become a tradition and it was almost a crime if you did not have what other people have. Consequently, expectations were already set tremendously and everyone else had to follow and try to aim just as high. "I believe we are being dishonest with language minority groups if we tell them they can take full part in American life without learning the English language"– S.I. Hayakawa. When other minority groups come to the U.S., they come because they need to make a better life for themselves and their families. Accordingly, Americans are the ones who cared more about gaining more improved materials because they knew minorities group would want to be like them and they like having power. Americans have more opportunities to achieve more because of certain advantages such as skin color, being a natural citizens, so on and so forth. Being in a minority group is very hard because there is discrimination and such. Being rich financially does not define who you are. Sure it may define what you have and what not but that should not matter because at times people are not always happy with what they have. Separation of skin color or social class is a type of discrimination that the American Dream made up. We cannot be stuck in the mentality of what used to be
"The loneliest moment in someone's life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly."
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
The American Dream, a long standing ideal embodies the hope that one can achieve financial success, political power, and everlasting love through dedication and hard work. During the Roaring 20s, people in America put up facades to mask who they truly were. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald conveys that the American Dream is simply an illusion, that is idealist and unreal. In the novel, Gatsby, a wealthy socialite pursues his dream, Daisy. In the process of pursuing Daisy, Gatsby betrays his morals and destroys himself. Through the eyes of the narrator, Nick,...show more content...
The green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams, an illusion that slowly possesses him; specifically his American Dream, Daisy. Gatsby sees Daisy just as immigrants from foreign countries once saw America; as a symbol of hope, the ideal life, and a future full of opportunity. Gatsby lives solely for this green light, which that gives him a sense of identity and purpose. Gatsby's dream is initially pure but in the process of pursuing it, the vision becomes tainted. His American Dream slowly takes possession of Gatsby, warping his illusion and dreams into reality. For five years, after meeting Daisy, he yearns and longs for her slowly changing her in his mind into a god. Over time the real memories began to fade and his dreams of what she should be took her place in his mind. When Gatsby finally wins her over, he expects too much of her, leading her to feel distressed and pressured. The rope ultimately snaps when Gatsby pressures Daisy to say that she never loved Tom, her husband, and only loved Gatsby. She wails and protests, that Gatsby "wants too much" and that she can never live up to his dreams of her (134). Because Gatsby had dreamed of her for so many years, he set an illusion of what Daisy should be like in his eyes. The dreams are too difficult for Daisy to meet and she soon collapses under the
Definition Essay On The American Dream
Everyone has various ideas on what the "American Dream" is and if it is achievable. Some people say that it is the land of opportunity and some believe that you can achieve what you want wherever you are. However, there is no direct or absolutely clear definition of the American dream, as it is viewed by people on the basis of their worldviews, mental health, social status and backgrounds. Yes, it is definitely diverse as far as different viewpoints are taken into consideration. When I think of the "American Dream" I think of Martin Luther King JR, Oprah Winfrey, and freedom/equality for all. "I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition
The American Dream By James Truslow Adams
The American Dream is the sole reason that millions of people decided to come to this country, whether it be generations ago, or last week. But even so, this shared dream faces problems. To solve the problem, the American Dream has to be defined. James Truslow Adams, author of the 1931 book The Epic of America, was the first person to mention and therefore define the American Dream. He established it as: "[T]hat dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement... It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature... and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position" (Adams 214–215). Adams says that the American Dream is not just becoming as rich as one can but to achieve to the best of one's abilities. He also describes the equal platform that all citizens should get when in America. Overall, the American Dream is defined as the idea that in this country, everyone, free from discrimination based on uncontrolled traits, has the opportunity to achieve their own dream, whatever it may be. And, with sweat and toil, their dream will come true. This was true back in Adam's time, but fast forward 84 years to today, and the American Dream seems more like a hallucination or a fantasy. Too many attributes of the working
My Opinion of the American Dream
What is the American Dream? Is a question that will be answered differently every time it's asked to a different individual. Everyone has a different opinion regarding what is the American Dream and what it takes to make the dream a reality there's a simply explanation to this: People come from different places, and everyone has a different story to tell. No two lives are just alike, there are going to be people who have experienced different trials and tribulations, people who have seen what you haven't, people who's struggle has been a little rougher than yours, people who's dreams have been shattered, people who haven't lost hope, people who believe all hope is gone, and people who feel that what was lost is finally found. The American...show more content...
spoke these words in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech focusing on racism in America and the importance of equality. The law guarantees everyone in America is treated equally, no matter their race, gender, social level, or anything else. Although this may be true, America's past shows slavery, racism, and discrimination. These may all seem like past occurrences, but recent experiences show that some tension
Definition Essay: The American Dream
The definition of "The American Dream" is an idea that every U.S citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Though this is the definition of The American Dream, many people think that there are different aspects to it. People grow up in different environments, and they grow up in different ways. Some people have different views, and thoughts than others. The key aspects of the American dream are the ability to put forth effort, to have faith, and to have a family you can love. One of the key aspects of The American Dream is effort. Thomas Edison once said "Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."Edison...show more content...
In the book The Great Gatsby, the main character Jay, spends the whole book trying to be with his soulmate. This is very important to him, and he believes that if he and Daisy end up together, he will have everything he needs. At the end of the book, Jay Gatsby gets murdered. Right before he dies, he whispers the name "Daisy." This shows that you can not live without having people to love, or people that love you. Without having family, there nobody to lean on during the hard times. No matter what flaws you have, or what bad things you have done, family is always there. Having a family that you can love is a key aspect of the American
An Essay About The American Dream
The American dream
The American dream is why everyone comes to this country to live the best life they can have. It is a freedom and opportunity for success. It has brought so many me people to our country for work and success. I think it is the dream to live a better life and do so much better then what they were doing before. Every individual has the chance to have their dream come true through better jobs, education, and freedom of choice.
Jobs are the one thing this country runs by. Everything in this country has something to do with jobs they are everywhere pretty much every corner there is a job. The one thing you can be successful in is your job there can be so many opportunities in...show more content...
We know everything to know about the world we have facts on the earth and different planets and other things. The education in this country can take you all the way to the top. Education has to do with pretty much every single job in the world. Education is the best way to get a job because if you have a college degree you can get better jobs than not having one at all. Are learning process in this country is amazing because anyone could branch out and learn something new if they wanted to know it for an example say someone was learning about the human body they can just stop all that and learn about space or something that is inserting to them. There is so much to learn and figure out about our world and our body's and other things that we can really use in the US. All the technology that has been made is all a purpose for the US and the American dream comes into play when you have people succeeding in America that is what the American dream is people making a difference in this country. A lot of family's give their children a chance of greatness by putting them in school and having them become a successful person and make the US proud. Peoples children are there destiny and they show what their family is by representing them and making them proud that's what the American dream is because most people live by that. The amount of progress you can done in life starts
Essay On The American Dream
The American Dream
The American dream in the United States is where citizens should have the opportunity to prosper and achieve to have a successful life. Americans today tend to believe that the American dream is impossible where people just give up in life and not try. In "I, Too" by Langston Hughes he portrays the life of an african american and how slavery was impacted at the time of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance where thousands of black people migrated from the south to the urban areas and offered more opportunities . In "I, Too" Hughes adds a statement of him being an American and him having the rights as anybody else. African Americans were trying to fight for the rights of freedom to Dream.
There was a lot of criticism during that time but African Americans didn't give up the idea they had in their hands. "I wish I had died" explains Hughes in the weary blues (30) he wished that because the criticism was so bad and just on the idea of Africans not being able to dream and achieve their goals. The discussion of "What is the American Dream Today?" Proclaims that "All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights" (Amadeo) meaning that life should be equal and achievable for all....show more content...
In "The American Dream is out of reach" (Luhby) adds that "people who live in areas with higher economic growth and better schools have a greater chance to climb economic ladder" (Luhby) just because the economy is large doesn't mean people succeed easily. Citizens have a great chance even if they are from a small economy because it's about the dedication of not willing to give up and always finding a way to reach the top. People have thought about the next future generations for their children which it will be tough but their is a chance it's possible for them to prosper those
Essay On The American Dream
We have come a long way from the publication of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In hopes of change, colonies came together to declare independence against the British King for his indictments. The Declaration of Independence was made entirely opposing the Kings unfair motives, injustice of systems, and the absence of public services. For which these opposing actions towards the king, was the general idea to become the American Dream. That dream consists of equality, justice, and freedom. The dream of freedom is for everyone to say and do as they please regardless of sexual preference, religious believes, race and body image. Freedom is opportunities to educate oneself, to better them and their children's future. But after...show more content...
Another example is based in Afghanistan, where women get stoned to death for adultery. The rules of stoning are grotesquely disturbing. First, the woman is buried up to her chest. Secondly, the stones thrown at her cannot be too big, or too small but just perfect so she suffers. Then, the husband is more than welcome to join in on the stoning, and even persuades the woman's children to grab a stone as well. These two women didn't have a chance for a fair trial for their rights or freedom. Americans lost sight of what really is the American Dream, because Americans can exercise their rights and freedom, and some even take advantage of it. The American Dream provides people the freedom of opportunities to seek and own their home, and send their children to great schools to prosper. Americans also have opportunities to get health insurance threw employers and or reduced to free health insurance threw the government if unemployed or in poverty. America also has security from law enforcement and military stopping genocide and unjust acts against Americans, while fair trials in court keeps America civil. Whilst other countries set you up for failure, by not providing these sort of systems, opportunities, and freedom.
Many people from around the world leave behind their homes in search of the values America has to offer them. The fascinating news is that immigrants that are destroyed by their
My American Dream Essay
First, let's define "American Dream". "American Dream" is what you would consider a "perfect life." It can be full of happiness, money, love, food, cars, whatever you desire, everyone has a different opinion. One person's American Dream may be totally different from someone else's, that is what makes us all individuals. My American Dream would include a good job and lots of money, spare time for my family and I, and most importantly, healthiness. It seems that so often the subject of economic standing and wealth, are said synonymously with the phrase "The American Dream". It seems that it takes money to be happy and economic stature to be accepted, however, many people who fall into this trap out of ignorance will never achieve "The...show more content...
To me the "American Dream" is not just a dollar sign, or desk name–tag at work, but the ability to walk into a room or a home, and know that your presence is welcomed and looked forward to. The dream is realizing that in America, we have the resources to make an honest difference. Unfortunately there was no reading that really embodied my version of the American dream. From the birth of America, to America today, the driving force and the heart of America has always been the "American Dream." The "American Dream" is a goal for the majority of people who live in the realms of the Americanized world. I believe that the "American Dream" is controlling my own destiny, becoming successful, and living free. Examples of this dream are things like television, automobiles, supermarkets, malls, Internet, planes, trains, etc. The "American Dream" is success, freedom, and being able to control your own destiny. The ability to be free made this country into the melting pot it is today and that ability still brings many immigrants who believe in the "American Dream" to the country. Today freedom is often overlooked because all of us are use to it, but in many countries freedom is just the "American Dream". My American dream has been unwavering since my youth. I find it easy to think of ways to place a metaphor on the dreams of others, however, it is difficult to
Argumentative Essay On The American Dream
Two words that inspire much conversation, thought, and even tension are the words American Dream. What is it? How do we achieve it? Is it even possible? Back when our country was first founded, the idea of the American Dream was people looking for a "new life" would come America to gain more opportunity. A very important document to our nation is the Declaration of Independence. This document highlights the concept of the American Dream when it declares, "All men are created equal" and also when it states the inalienable rights of each man are, " life liberty and the pursuit of happiness" Equality, life liberty and happiness are significant points in the dream every American seeks to achieve.
Early in our history immigrants could move from a hard lifestyle, such as government corruption or famine to America . Where life was perceived to be perfect and had so much more opportunity. However, as the people changed in positive and negative ways the American Dream was altered as well. The overall idea of the American Dream has changed from ideas and freedoms to more tangible things. For example people used to move to America to have rights and to have a voice. Now some believe that if you wear expensive shoes and spend more money on your car than your house you have fulfilled the dream.
Since this topic is very popular and talked about in abundance, there are many different opinions of what the American Dream entails.Based on a recent survey conducted by our class older
Essay On The American Dream
The American Dream varies for all, giving a life of hope for those in need and having equality for all to achieve success. For each person, this definition means something to them, and represents their hope for the future. In the article by New York Times, "The American Dream, Quantified at Last," it is shown how there is a growing case of the American Dream being portrayed by future generations when kids grow up to live in situations that their parents were not able to fulfil. This growing trend of opportunity portrays how the dreams of many are being fulfilled in their lives. This point is further exemplified through the article, "Who Still Believes in the American Dream" where the American Dreams of many around the US are explained. These aspirations are shown through quotes, representing what people hope to accomplish with their lives. Finally, in the book Of Mice and Men, two ranch workers, Lennie and George, go through everything together, living life as best friends and dreaming how bright their future can be. For them, the American Dream is living a life on their own in their own ranch, and being able to raise their own farm. This dream not only gives them hope, but brings happiness to them, showing how the American Dream lies in the hearts of each person wherever they may come from. As exemplified in this novel, the American Dream gives an opportunity for one to rise up in life, to be able to rise to a life where they can fulfil whatever their heart desires. The
The American Dream and College Essay
The American Dream and College
My junior year of high school was filled with high emotions, stressful moments, and tension about where to apply to college and where I would be accepted and ultimately attend. At a "Making the Most out of your Sixth Semester" forum that year, the entire junior class experienced lectures from the school's college resource counselors about how to prepare for this arduous battle of college admissions. The way Sue Biermert, who is the College Admissions Counselor at my high school, opened the forum was by asking a question to the parents that put everything into perspective: "How many of you parents feel like you are successful?" Every single hand shot up from the 500 parents in the...show more content...
Though, the majority of students who go through this inevitable admissions procedure typically do not meet the Wizard of Oz after traveling the yellow brick road in hopes of being granted their first choice for higher education.
Sue Biermert explained to our junior class that night that life is about taking risks and facing problem after problem. It was obviously not getting any easier by applying to colleges. However, this is what we all had to do in order to feel like our parents in thirty years, because our culture has forced us to be part of the system of going to some sort of university. She admitted that many of us would feel rejected, literally and emotionally, in a year from our top choice. Though, one never knows until you take that leap of faith as she quoted a popular Michael Jordan poster in our Chicago–suburban high school that reads: "I miss 100% of all the shots I don't take." Biermert reiterated to us that we were there that night to be part of the process, therefore we must be willing to tackle the admissions problem head on and do the best we can.
The admissions process is analyzed by determining what "ideal students" are, as a more concrete answer may be deduced about how this admissions game works and how to solve this equation. A profitable university to try and examine is The George Washington University in Washington D.C., as this is the university that I am currently attending.