Toward A More Inclusive Community

Choate’s Signature Programs attract a variety of prospective and current students, promising those admitted an opportunity to explore and fine-tune their abilities in a certain field. Rising fifth-formers (and, in some cases, fourth-formers) have the option of applying to various programs, a few of which are the Science Research Program (SRP), the Arts Concentration program, the Environmental Immersion Program (EIP) at the Kohler Environmental Center (KEC), the John F. Kennedy Government Institute (JFK), and Study Abroad. Such programs allow students unique resources to further their endeavors in a specific discipline, an opportunity rare at many institutions.
However, the talk around campus about Signature Programs isn’t often of appreciation; rather, it is of frustration. While it may hold true that these programs offer students the capacity to explore their passions, these programs are only accessible to a handful of students. For instance, the Science Research Program admitted 16 students this year from a pool of 52 applicants — that’s an acceptance rate of less than a third.
Choate’s admission statement claims that Choate is a place “where anything is possible.” But for whom? Clearly, these possibilities have stipulations — the limited spots in Signature Programs are reserved only for those whom Choate deems the most qualified. Just as in other realms of Choate life — varsity athletic teams, for example — not everyone will be able to participate. Most students are relegated to more limited opportunities.
Lacking a specialized program to pursue at Choate can leave a student feeling forgotten. Rejected applicants to Signature Programs have even expressed envy to accepted students, feeling as if their own Choate careers have been hurt by a rejection to a Signature Program.
The solution to this issue doesn’t lie in accepting all applicants to Signature Programs — doing so would drain resources and overwhelm faculty members supervising these programs.
Instead, the School should endeavor to provide more guidance to students rejected from Signature Programs. Students should have more alternatives such as access to internships, service opportunities, and employment.
Choate is widely respected as an institution that cares about the well-being and development of every one of its students. To uphold its reputation, the School cannot continue to neglect students rejected from Signature Programs. Where Choate must close one door, it must also open another.