Education: A More Perfect Union

Not the least of the colleges' admission problems is weighing—and sometimes deciphering—the messages that schools send in behalf of applicants. In the College, Board Review, Director of Admissions Jonathan Pearson excerpts some of the recent "recommendations" that inundated Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. ¶"Roger appears personable and alert—but he isn't." (No trouble with that one.) ¶"If you need him, take him, but don't expect too much. His father's a Dartmouth man." (Director Pearson cannot remember what happened to him.) ¶ "Walter is not an outstanding student, but his family background is exceptional and his character impeccable. I can assure you that...