In poor economy, expect surge in applications to state schools

Q. Do you think that applications to state universities will be up this year with the economy in such trouble? What should a high school senior in the process of applying to college expect this year, given the current financial mess?

Rebecca, Boston

A. Applications to state universities are likely to increase dramatically this year. With solid academic programs and tuitions that are often tens of thousands of dollars less than private four-year colleges, state universities offer an attractive alternative to parents and students on a tight budget as well as those who can no longer depend on once readily available students loans or grants.

In addition to the current economic woes, we have the largest class of high school seniors in recent history. An increase in applications translates to stiffer competition, thus many students will have to reconsider their definition of a "safety school." Moreover, students will have to consider adding a "financial safety" to their list, should acceptance to a private college not include sufficient aid.

Students who would rather not deal with this volatile year, might consider a "gap year," a chance to work, volunteer, or travel. A year away from formal education can reinvigorate one's return to it.

Most, it seems, are staying the course, though. Shawn Ahern, the director of guidance at Boston College High School, acknowledged the air of anxiety surrounding this year's college application process, but said he was encouraging his students to remain optimistic and realistic.

"In the past, two safeties might have been sufficient," said Ahern. "This year, three or four seem necessary." He mentioned that filling out financial aid forms on time and being proactive about scholarships, grants, and loans can still put some of the pricier schools within reach of middle-class students.

Still, Ahern expects that there will be more students than ever competing for a limited, if not shrinking, number of merit-based and need-based scholarships. He advises students to work with their counselors to identify funding resources.

"Even in this unpredictable economy, it's still possible to find a way to afford the college of your choice," said Ahern.

Q. There seems to be a lot of talk these days about extending the school day. Do you think that more time in the classroom will help an educational system that clearly needs improvement?

D.C., Cambridge

A. More is not always more. If achievement and progress aren't possible in the allotted time, is more time the answer? The quality of the instruction deserves more scrutiny than its duration.

Also, by creating afternoon programs, are we asking teachers to move beyond the role of educator? Many teachers play the role of parent, counselor, and cheerleader during the day. I imagine those roles would soon dominate their extended afternoons if the added time isn't committed to academic instruction.

There is the threat of some programs devolving into mere day-care, which seems like an unwise use of limited or dwindling education dollars. Spending to decrease class-size and increase a teacher's contact time with students is a better-spent buck.

Schools in affluent towns rarely seek additional hours for their students, whose afternoons often include SAT prep, music lessons, or sports practice. How can we make such opportunities available to all students?

Money and inventiveness at the local, state, and federal level are needed to turn the devil's playground of idle afternoon hours into programs that complement scholarship but also provide a salutary respite from the confines of the classroom.

Citizen Schools provides a local and national model for making the most of an afternoon and leaving no child behind. (Check out their good work at citizenschools.org.)

Perhaps the growing population of baby-boomers and senior citizens as well as college students and high school upperclassmen could perform community service as tutors, coaches, and instructors for those students in need of constructive afternoons.

Ron Fletcher teaches English at Boston College High. To submit a question, e-mail rfletcher@bchigh.edu. Include your name, town, and e-mail address. Questions, upon request, can be printed anonymously. Ask the Teacher runs on alternate Sundays with Campus Insider, a roundup of higher education items.