Notes in the Margins: Rationing, midnight classes and the short application essay

Colleges start offering 'midnight classes' for offbeat needs A handful of colleges across the USA are offering "midnight classes" that cater to the schedules of students with children, inflexible jobs or just a yen to stay up all night. On overburdened campuses, the late-late classes have the chance to use space that's booked during conventional hours. (USA Today)

Should Occupy Wall Street become Occupy Higher Education? This solution doesn’t involve making school free for all or simply forgiving all student debt. Instead, we need jobs and incentive programs that encourage college graduates to pursue careers in areas that will jumpstart the economy. This is the perfect opportunity for the government, universities and businesses big and small to work together to place college graduates into needed areas. (The Washington Post)

Colleges weigh going digital This semester students are engaging in an iPad pilot program at Bryn Mawr. Eleven students and four professors, part of an interdisciplinary program, were provided iPads by the school. All of the readings for the four classes are available on the iPad. Students submit all of their assignments on the tablet as well. (USA Today)

Task force moves toward rationing access to community colleges After years of funding cuts, the open-door system must change and prioritize, the panel suggests, starting with a 22-point reform plan. (The Los Angeles Times)

College Application Essay as Haiku? For Some, 500 Words Aren’t Enough After four years without a word-count limit, the Common Application has imposed one. But students say they don’t know what it will mean — longer essays will make it through, but might be judged harshly. (The New York Times)

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