>>>This narrowing has resulted in a curiously unprepared and superficial pre-professionalism. I don't take these kinds of essays seriously anymore. Rhodes sch

>>>This narrowing has resulted in a curiously unprepared and superficial pre-professionalism. I don't take these kinds of essays seriously anymore. Rhodes scholars are chosen primarily because of their accomplishments, as a result of being widely successful in a field. What the author criticizes - single-mindedness - is what catapulted these bright stars in the first place, because people, like the author, in positions of authority and influence said, "Brilliant. She is a Physics Olympiad winner or he is a nationally recognized pianist. Let us reward them." The same authors and leaders that lament the direction the nation's youths are taken have their hand in creating the very system they criticize. Why not look inward for the changes they can make rather than putting the microscope on other people? In the case of the Rhodes committee, they shouldn't even look at grades anymore. There are other ways to judge creativity and scholarship. Heavy grade focus already pushes students at top colleges into a narrow-minded pursuit of "excellence." And, yet Rhodes and other prestigious institutions reaffirm that idea. This is just an example - a rough one at that - but I hope it communicates the point. Don't pay lip service if you aren't willing to be part of the solution (and I mean taking action).