New-York tribune., 1874-09-07
COLLEGES AND PREPARATORP SCHOOLS.

THE LATTERD EFENDED FROM THE CHARGE OF IN
SUFFICIENT PREPARATION OF sTUDENTs-TH
FAULT OFTEN WITH THE COLLEGES.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: In the discussion of educational affairs
several college presidents have been giving their atten
tion to preparatory schools These gentlemen assert
that the great is good preparatory schools They
even 20 on to say that colleges would elevate their
standards of admission If these schools would furnish
their graduates with decent preparation" SO said
President Haw lately at Detroit, and DR.. McCosh Of
Princeton before him. Now hear briefly something from
the other side.
About ten years ago student under my charge was
directed by his father apply for admission 10 the
Junior Glass of Princeton College. He was scarcely
fitted for the Sophomore Glass OF that institution accord
ing to the catalogue. He was admitted nothwithstand
ing deficiencies. About the same time the son OF a
prominent minister sent TO me to read book or
two of Homer. This done in a way 70 secure guam
hty rather than quality. He admitted to class far
beyond his merits. Two years ago, among other app
cans for admission the Freshman Class OF this
college from my school a lad OF most defective
preparation; but he was accompanied by his father,
gentleman of high social and professional standing
He was also admitted, much 70 the surprise
prosecute their studies Nay more, upon returning
from examination this boy expressed regret for not
having applied for the Sophomore Now the admission
of these applicants rested entirely with the college
authorities They gave ear to the solicitation OF inPor
what any might infer Boys become restless in pre-
paratOry schools when they their comrades leaving
In advance and securing admission. While they are ad
vsed TO remain and continue their studies. Parents
also knowing of these successful adventurers are too
often disposed find fault with teachers for wasting
much time in excessive preparation and even attribute
improper for keeping their out Of college
so long stands that principals or private
schools anxious to get rid OF their scholars they
often 90 spite OF wishes and best Judgment Even
the Princeton preparatory school, avowedly founded
20 cure this evil allowed OF its graduates TO apply
for admission to the Freshman Class who had not fully
compiled with the requisuOns, and these applicants
were admitted at the June examinations. What Is true
OF Princeton equally true OF some other coleges but
as the executives of those institutions have not publicly
charged this deficiency OF training 10 the preparatory
schools disposed to particularize any further
public will observe that this deficiency does not
obtain great extent in the preparedness or the
East, because at least OF the Eastern colleges
yale aud Harvard TO my knowledge are rigid IN their
examinations and very exacting III ther requirements
for admission. When this independence and fear
lessness prompt the college faculties OF the Middle,
Southern and Western States to exactng all the stand
ards of admission and certain amount OF thorough
ness the preparedness will be forced TO provide them
students with a decent preparation" may stand
alone in this experience, but believe that many OF my
fellow-laborers have tue story 10 tell II they
would but speak out. fRlhClPAL'
Harrisburg, Penn, Aug. 26, 1874