Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Fee-based Admission

Controversial for many educators but tough to avoid, the use of agents in completing university admission  processes continues as a common practice. Evidence also indicates that the fees charged for helping students gain their all-important seat in the desired university is rising.

With U.S. international student numbers faltering, the competition for applicants is increasing. The result is perhaps a reduction in criteria for admission at some universities. Shorelight, a contracted international student support provider, now seeks to broaden international student recruitment beyond those who are qualified and need little support with language and culture while attending university. Shorelight's spokesperson indicated, "Our target student is a highly motivated, talented student who does need support with language and culture - and then we meet them with a program."

Similar to the question of who agents serve, one has to ask if U.S. universities seek to host international students for the student's or the institution's benefit.

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