Getting In

Weighting Grades, Literally

Lincoln University near Oxford, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia) is going to require all students with a BMI exceeding 30 to take a physical education class. A recent article in the Lincolnian, the campus newspaper, begins to scratch the surface as to the controversy this has started as a result of this policy.

The school's administration argues that it is trying to improve the health of it's campus community. But the critics are vocally emerging from all corners with concerns that it will impact enrollment and that it is discrimination against the obese.

What we do know is the obesity is a serious issue in America and clearly we've struggled to find solutions as the problem is only a growing one, especially as people around the United States are having to make sacrifices and may not be able to afford to eat as healthy (it's true, fresh fruit and lean cuts of meat cost more than canned and fattier cuts). This is one school's approach to the problem and it is likely that while Lincoln is first, other schools will follow.

Indeed, right now many smaller schools do have a physical education and/or wellness requirements, but they are across the board requirements for all students. These programs manage with less controversy though because they are not targeted toward one particularly group meeting with one particular.

But when you're shopping around for the right college to go to, this is one area that you may want to ask questions in. Whether you're for or against physical education and wellness requirements it's something that could affect the entire four (hopefully!) years you'll be attending that school. When you're interviewing or even just talking with someone from the college the following questions may help you with a decision:

• What physical education or wellness requirements are there for students at your college?
• Are there specific situations where physical education or wellness courses are required for some students?
• If I play a sport am I still required to take physical education or wellness courses? (if they have requirements at all)
• How many students participate in sports and other physical activities at any level (varsity, club, intramural, and the like)?

Tags: getting in, obesity, weight, controversy, college interviews, physical education, health in college, college wellness, lincoln university, interviewing for college

Published on November 24, 2009 by Janet | Read all recent Getting In articles.