Fascinating! Thank you for posting this interesting study and analysis. I will be reading this again and continue to think about it. How College Affects Students (2005) analyzes many studies by S. Dale & A Krueger but in controlling for what appears to be a host of pre-college attributes did not seem to hone in on "ambition" in the studies discussed and reviewed at that time.
I'm enjoying thinking about the study and the analysis of it. Not one to shy away from what may be seen as playing "devil's advocate", I wonder...
On the one hand, using "ambition" as a proxy for healthy self-esteem (neither self-deprecating nor arrogant, but internally motivated) and grit... one who applies to a highly selective college may challenge him/herself that they can they face the fear of rejection. Stats on highly selective college websites indicate the majority of applicants are not accepted/admitted. Those whose ambition spurs them to apply may have a growth mindset through which they know they will learn something by simply having applied regardless the outcome. For others simply NOT applying may be indicative of a fear of rejection, akin to perfectionism/procrastination and fixed mindset of why try when I might fail (recently discussed on other threads).
On the other hand, does it take more than "ambition" to apply to selective schools? For example, might a person known to be ambitious, self-directed, and internally motivated, with a track record or portfolio of resilience, service, persistence, and ultimate triumph (setbacks which have been overcome, others' burdens which have been alleviated) possibly face other dilemmas such as how to pay for higher tuition? Being altruistic and motivated to continue making the world a better place, undaunted by setbacks, is a form of ambition which is not necessarily lucrative or financially rewarding. (For example, a kiddo who could be the poster child for self-transcendence as described in the book A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children, page 71, Level 8)
Might "ambition" in some cases translate into finding what might be the best fit (or least-worst fit) for an interrelated set of circumstances in one's life?
Hopefully the "ambition" in the study is not a proxy for confidence derived from one knowing one is attractive to the school because their family has a strong ability to pay tuition, assist with endowment/funding, build a new wing or department, etc.
ETA: The article shows that ambition was meant in the context of the "young adult's character". That is, indeed, good news.
Last edited by indigo; 12/12/13 10:55 AM. Reason: ETA: ambition = young adult's character
