NYT Revisited

While having no desire to scratch at an old sore, I wanted to share (with permission) the nice response I received to my complaints about the NYT article on independent college counselors from Dr. Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania:

I’m sorry you were disappointed with my quote in Jacques Steinberg’s recent New York Times story about independent college advising. I was responding to a question posed to me about unscrupulous and uncertified counselors who charge huge amounts for undoubtedly unknowledgeable advice. I was very careful not to so characterize most – let alone all – counselors, and I was very clear on this point – that there are many knowledgeable counselors who are certified and perform a valuable service.

Most admissions counselors are of great help and value to their clients and their families. But as you point out, as in any business, there are an unscrupulous few who tarnish the good work and reputations of others such as you. This is completely in keeping with what I said. I’m very sorry the one sentence that was quoted of mine came across otherwise.

With best wishes for an enjoyable summer,

Amy Gutmann

I never doubted for a moment that the quote came from a larger conversation on the matter of college advising. It’s wonderful, however, to have this strong endorsement relative to the quality and importance of contributions made by independent counselors to the field.

Note that several of those interviewed by Jacques Steinberg complained loudly about the article’s slant, including Mark Sklarow, Executive Director of the Independent Educational Consultant's Association (IECA). In fact, Steinberg tepidly revisited some of the controversy and the Times found it necessary to issue a correction at the request of one independent counseling business appearing in the article. Editing error?