zlacker

>>pessim+(OP)
This is what affirmative action should be... helping people out based on their individual situation, not because their skin color or gender.

>>getmei+F5
I do not understand why it should be limited to foster kids.

Just make the schools free for all, and collect with higher marginal income / wealth taxes.

It should not be dependent on parents’ status either. I got zero aid due to my parents, but I also got zero from my parents.

>>lotsof+g8
Assuming the best intentions of those running this, there may not be enough money in the budget for it to be free for everyone.

>>er4hn+l9
Somehow European countries pull it off without bankrupting themselves.

>>ttfkam+Rd
Indeed, but not without tradeoffs, including:

- accepting fewer students (having strict requirements).

- failing students out in early classes (fewer opportunities to retake classes).

- more professionally focused and shorter curriculum.

- less class and subject choices

- the degree commanding significantly less earnings

For whatever reason, the best students seem to end up at a few top European schools (like Oxford) or go to the US.

>>common+Xx
Oxford (like Harvard) is often less about what you'll know and more about WHO you'll know.

At the undergrad level, the subject matter is generally very well-established. But when you want a job after graduation, being close friends with the CEO's child helps far more than a few tenths of a point on your GPA.

Legacy admissions and nepotism are still very much a thing.