[Akash Rastogi]

I discussed this a bunch today with people, and I wanted to point out a possibility. This post isn't any sort of attack on your feelings, Michael, it is something to think about for the students/parents who might feel a bit bitter or disheartened.

Did you ever consider that the admissions officers, school presidents and representatives who spoke to Dean all made him feel the same way they make students feel after an interview or during a campus visit?

What I mean is this: Who in their right mind WOULDN'T praise Dean Kamen upon meeting him? I mean, it's freaking DEAN KAMEN. Who wouldn't say "Wow Dean, I love your program and what you're doing for these kids! I absolutely love FIRST students!" Admissions officers and interviewers make students feel comfortable and give positive feedback. I have never, in my experience and from any friends' experiences, received negative feedback from someone affiliated with a college. It just isn't what they do. They give you feedback that is usually positive or try to make you feel comfortable and answer questions about the university, they want you to open up and talk more about yourself. I think that this is most likely what schools do when they speak to Dean, because they might just be used to it. Who would say, "Well, I don't know, Dean. FIRST isn't that huge of a determining factor in our admissions process."

The only thing Dean can interpret from and relay back to you (you being general) is what colleges tell him. Of course they love kids in FIRST. Kids in FIRST are great! But, this is probably also the same thing they tell thousands of other kids in other organizations. Schools do this to get more kids to apply so that they can have more kids to pick and choose from.

Sorry if that sounds convoluted or doesn't make sense, it is late and I have exams tomorrow, but I just want to point out that Dean is clearly extremely excited in that video. You can tell when the man is beaming with happiness, most likely because he truly believes in what representatives from various universities have told him.

I do not think it is right or valid to place any sort of blame on Dean, a man who clearly loves and believes in what he is saying. I think that what folks from universities tell people in public will always be positive and optimistic because they want everyone to think they have a chance of getting in. Why? Because they want everyone to apply there (for various reasons). And what does more applicants mean? More kids who won't get a shot at attending because their simply aren't enough seats to fill from the pool of applicants.

This is just what I think. Again, it's late, don't mind my rambling too much but I think you, Michael, might be holding Dean/FIRST accountable for something they are not at fault for. Frankly, I don't think anyone is at fault for anything here and nothing needs to be changed. For all I know, there are kids out there who applied to a school they normally would have not applied to thanks to the Dean's List award. For all I know, the only motivation they had was their award. If they get in, it is a plus. Even if they are pushed into applying, that is also a plus. The award provides proof to kids that they are doing something right. That someone is recognizing their efforts. Most often, this is all that kids need to continue striving for success.

Sorry for a random theory/explanation. I'm just trying to mediate any hard feelings DL finalists might have towards Dean/FIRST for how they have stated things regarding the award.

/phew