Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail By Angel B. Pérez Education Week, January 31, 2012 \( 1 \quad \) I ask every student I interview for admission to my institution, Pitzer College, the same question, "What do you look forward to the most in college?" I was stunned and delighted recently when a student sat across from me at a Starbucks in New York City and replied, "l look forward to the possibility of failure," Of course, this is not how most students respond to the question when sitting before the person who can make decisions about their academic futures, but this young man took a risk. "You see, my parents have never let me fail," he said. "When I want to take a chance at something, they remind me it's not a safe route to take. Taking a more rigorous course or trying an activity I may not succeed in, they tell me, will ruin my chances at college admission. Even the sacrifice of staying up late to do something unrelated to school, they see as a risk to my academic work and college success." I wish I could tell you this is an uncommon story, but kids all over the world admit they are under tremendous pressure to be perfect. When I was traveling in China last fall and asked a student what she did for fun, she replied: "I thought I wasn't supposed to tell you that? I wouldn't want you to think I am not serious about my work!"

The excerpt from Angel B. Pérez's article "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail" highlights a significant issue in the current educational landscape: the pressure students face to achieve perfection and avoid failure. Pérez shares a compelling anecdote about a student who, in a candid moment, expresses a desire to embrace the possibility of failure as part of the college experience. This perspective is refreshing and contrasts sharply with the prevailing mindset that prioritizes flawless academic records and achievements. The student’s experience reflects a broader trend where parents and society often discourage risk-taking and exploration in favor of a more conservative approach to education. The fear of failure can stifle creativity, limit personal growth, and prevent students from pursuing their passions. Pérez's observations suggest that this pressure is not confined to any one culture; students globally feel the weight of expectations that can lead to anxiety and a lack of fulfillment. Pérez's message is clear: embracing failure is an essential part of learning and personal development. By allowing students to take risks and potentially fail, we can foster resilience, creativity, and a more authentic pursuit of knowledge. This shift in mindset could ultimately lead to a more enriching college experience and better prepare students for the challenges they will face in life beyond academia.