Students enroll in online programs to access campus social life
6 reported
A growing number of students who did not gain traditional admission to major public flagship universities are still participating in campus social life by enrolling in online programs and living near campus. Justin Helman, a recent high-school graduate from Park Ridge, N.J., plans to move into a private apartment near the University of Florida after not receiving his dream acceptance. He will enroll in a UF online program for the first few semesters and pay an extra fee package to access services such as the campus gym and student-section football tickets. Helman intends to study at the library, join clubs, and may rush a fraternity. He stated, “I’m going to get almost the entire same experience, and the only thing I’m really missing is going into class and dorming.” The article reports that universities are expanding alternative-enrollment programs, which a consultant described as a way to get what you want if the traditional path does not work. An admissions consultant noted that these programs can protect university rankings and generate revenue from students who narrowly missed the admissions cutoff.
What’s reported
Justin Helman did not get his dream acceptance from the University of Florida but is moving into a private apartment near campus.
He is enrolling in a UF online program for the first few semesters and paying an extra fee package for campus gym access and student-section football tickets.
Helman plans to study at the library, join clubs, and might rush a fraternity.
The article describes a “small-but-mighty group” of students moving to college towns, enrolling in online programs or community colleges, living in private housing, joining Greek life, and attending game-day tailgates.
Beth Kraemer, a consultant for In College Consulting, observed an uptick in this trend and said it is “a way to get what you want if the traditional, standard way doesn’t work.”
Adam Nguyen, founder of Ivy Link, said the programs can be a savvy way for universities to protect their rankings and generate revenue from students who narrowly missed the admissions cutoff.
Key figures
Justin Helman, recent high-school graduate from Park Ridge, N.J.
Beth Kraemer, consultant for In College Consulting
Adam Nguyen, founder of admissions-consulting firm Ivy Link
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
