From: Steven Chan
Course: ENGL 790
Sent: 1999-11-17

Message:
If I were on the admissions board, I'd admit Amy Armstrong. The girl demonstrated undaunted spirit in advancing forward. Plus, the real reason is that she has got the highest GPA. The rest, in comparison however, seem to lag far behind on this aspect. She had one slip in her life which she fell victim to--her Mom's death. Other than that she could have gone along quite well up till the day of her application. I would, if I could, accept all of them indeed. But if there is only one to choose from, I would write letters to the other three applicants and assure them that all road leads to Rome and life will always find a way as their respective lives have already demonstrated with perseverance and beauty up till the date of their applications.

From: Leonard Baker
Course: ENGL 790
Sent: 1999-11-18

Message:
It's a tough call, but I would admit Cynthia. Clearly, this is a risk (as the letters from the undergraduate dean and the Remedial Studies director imply), but it's a risk worth taking. If I read correctly, applicants for the Special Admissions program were supposed to show what they could offer Texas State, not just how they could benefit from the university. And while none of the four actually did this in the admission essays, Cynthia could bring more to the school than any of the others (Lynda is a close second). Let's face it, to be cynical for a minute, you can't swing a dead gamecock around a university campus without hitting a kid who has genuine computer and artistic talent (like Xavier), or one whose academic promise has been derailed by some personal problem (like Amy). I would be interested to know why the summer school program was not an option for these two, especially Amy.

The case for Cynthia: This truly could be her only shot at college. Some in the university might see her focus on basketball (college as a means to get to the pros) as a negative. I would ask them think of the potential for rechanneling that drive and determination into other areas. With help and guidance, Cynthia might find a home in the classroom. And even if she doesn't, if she simply squeaks by at Texas State while starring on the basketball court, she could become a wonderful role model for youngsters throughout Texas. We shouldn't underestimate the good this could do not just for Texas State's efforts increase diversity, but for the children of the surrounding communities.

As for Cynthia's severe academic shortcomings -- despite their general reputation among academics for sleaziness, many athletic departments do provide excellent support networks for students involved in sports. Sam Lehman of the Remedial Studies office contends that Cynthia would tie up too many resources; I would imagine, however, that the athletic department could help out with tutoring. And there is the possibility that Cynthia would not qualify to play her first year, so her focus could turn to working on her learning problems. Finally, the undergraduate dean rightly bemoans the fact that the Special Admissions Program has such a high dropout rate (55 percent). We would argue that the athletic department's academic support network and Cynthia's proven determination to succeed would keep her from becoming a statistic.

That's a lot of pressure to put on a 17 or 18 year old, but Cynthia has dealt with pressure her whole life. I think Texas State should give her the chance to show she can handle it at this level.

Message:
The four applications reminded me once again that it is probably impossible to make decisions that influence someone's life without me feeling somewhat guilty afterwords. All the students speak through texts informed by a genuine desire to study and an anxiety that they might not impress the Special Admissions Committee sufficiently. Moreover, each of them, apart from Xavier, carries a burden of a past experience which significantly changed their life in an undesirable way and which did not seem quite "fair" (be it a birth of a handicapped child, mother's death or the need to take care of siblings). Correspondingly, I feel that all the four students deserve to be given the chance to study at the Texas State University.

However, being aware that it is technically impossible to accept everyone who applies, I clench my teeth and decide for one candidate only. My choice is Amy Armstrong. Of all the four students, she has demonstrated the highest preparedness for an academic study. Her grades have been exceptionally good apart from the three semesters when she struggled with an extreme emotional stress. Her ability to recover fairly soon from the family tragedy has demonstrated that she has unusually strong will. Of course, she does not come from a minority group, a circumstance which we (because of our troubled historical consciousness) tend to value highly nowadays. Nevertheless, it would be really ridiculous if Amy had to give way to someone just because of his non-mainstream background. Should this happen, Amy would be paradoxically discriminated for not belonging to a discriminated group.

In general, I am quite confident that if admitted, Amy will not be among those 55% of Special Admissions Students who drop-out during their first year.

Message:
Lynda Kramer is an applicant who has proven her devotion to family, community, and personal achievement, and deserves admission to Texas State University. Lynda has conquered challenges many of us can only imagine, and has still found time to dedicate to social causes. Her intentions are true, and her success will benefit the neediest members of our community--the disabled.

Lynda's academic achievement is greater than traditional standards reflect. Her GPA of 2.8 does not adequately reflect that the majority of her grades were "B" and "A" and that she only received one grade of "D." Most noteworthy, though, is the fact that Lynda earned a GED despite the challenge of a disabled child.

Lynda strives for a double major in social work and education. If Lynda is forced to attend another college she will not receive the education she required to adequately serve children with special needs. Also, due to the excellent care Lynda's son receives from a local halfway house, Lynda will be forced to make a choice, yet again, between her son's well-being and her own dreams. Lynda is a dedicated mother and servant of our community; she deserves the chance to better her abilities.

Message:
Honestly, this is a difficult choice; I am impressed with all of the applicants, and I would like to give everyone an opportunity to attend the school.  These cases have made me wonder why there can only be 100 applicants admitted through this program.  It doesn't seem like admitting 102 would jeopardize the university in any way.

However, if only two must be admitted, my first choice is Lynda. Lynda is the prime candidate because her life experience: not only did she raise a child with cerebral palsy, but she has gotten involved in the community when so many teenage parents fall between the cracks and do nothing. Additionally, she has a strong track record in her volunteer work in the field of disabilities in education, which are the fields she has chosen for her major.  She has done well in first-hand experience, and this shows her dedication and ability that will certainly transfer to the classroom. To not admit her would be a crime.

My second choice would have to be Xavier. He seems as though he has a real passion for what he likes to do.  It is common for people with an artistic talent to not do as well in other academic areas.  I think that given a chance to specialize in what he knows and what he can do best, he will do well.