It has now been nearly four weeks since news broke of the college admissions scandal in which federal prosecutors charged 50 parents in a complex bribery scheme with the ultimate objective of securing enrollment for their children in some of the nation’s most selective universities. For many of us, the reaction to this development was one of disbelief, shock that parents and coaches, alleged educators, would stoop to such criminal lows. For others, the news came as affirmation of what now appears evident to anyone paying attention to college-admissions realities these days—the stakes have gotten so high, the competition for enrollment at selective colleges and universities so fierce, that very little is out-of-bounds for some parents desperate to clear a path for their children. Increasingly, this path includes enrollment at a brand-name school, one with decreasing admissions rates and, thus, increasing cachet.

It is a mathematical reality that over the past several decades the nation’s most selective colleges and universities have increased the size of their applicant pool at rates higher than any increases to the size of their student body. Consider that, according to US News & World Report, just 25 years ago there were approximately 20 colleges admitting fewer than 33% of its applicants; today the number is more than 75. Increased selectivity means more denial decisions each spring, which increases anxiety among students and parents, which often can lead to even higher numbers of applications to a broader number of schools, and the cycle continues. This “new normal” is understandably disorienting and frustrating to a generation of parents (myself included!) accustomed to “old normals” of just a generation ago.

Thankfully, there are other mathematical realities at play, ones much closer to home here at St. Christopher’s, that should be considered and that do provide comfort. Of note, nearly 70% of all applications submitted by St. Christopher’s seniors result in acceptances. Further, over the past two years, 25% of our seniors apply to only one school and earn acceptance there, either through a binding Early Decision path or through an athletic commitment. The remaining 75% of seniors most typically apply to five or six colleges, most often resulting in three to five acceptances.

Thus, a “typical” St. Christopher’s student will, at this precise moment of his senior year, be in the enviable position of deciding between three, four, or even five college acceptances. Yes, he may have suffered the sting of one or two waitlist decisions or even denials—practice, perhaps, for life’s inevitable successes and setbacks.

Moreover, and beyond any of the realities presented here or brought to light in last month’s college admissions scandal, we must emphasize that at St. Christopher’s, we care most about preparing your sons for a lifetime of intellectual, social, and emotional success. As a college preparatory school with a long history of sending our boys to a broad and impressive collection of universities around the world, we, of course, care about the four years our boys will spend just after their time with us. However, that care pales in comparison to our concern over the choices and impact our graduates make throughout the long duration of their lives.

“What kind of man will this student be in his 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond?” This is the question I hear asked by our faculty and staff far more often than, “I wonder what choice he will make for his undergraduate studies?” As a school with well over 100 years of history, we focus on the long game—for our institution and for your sons. Further, as stated in our philosophy of education, “We care most about educating young men who possess honor and integrity.” That intentional prioritization pays no mind to college acceptance rates or even college-name prestige.

Roughly one week after the scandal made headline news, our Director of College Counseling Jim Jump crafted a thorough, thoughtful, and informed letter on his reaction to the news. I offer you that letter, below, as well as my thanks for the trust and care you extend to us, knowing that we will do everything in our power to shape long and fulfilling lives of purpose for your sons.