There is a lot I like about David Leonhardt’s op-ed “College for the Masses” in last week’s Sunday Review (I’m a little behind these days), particularly his multiple shots at the “college isn’t for everyone” crowd. As many of our students made their college decisions last week, the crew I’m most excited for are not the Brown or Dartmouth bound (that is pretty awesome), but those off to some of the better SUNY, CUNY, or private schools who offered a lot of financial aid. Leonhardt writes:

But book learning isn’t anywhere near the full story of Mr. Escanilla’s growing up. His path also highlights another benefit that college can bring: Its graduates have managed to complete adulthood’s first major obstacle course. Doing so helps them learn how to finish other obstacle courses and gives them the confidence that they can, so long as they stay focused. Learning to navigate college fosters a quality that social scientists have taken to calling grit.