CHOOSING FIELDS OF STUDY

Great educational reform was a much anticipated result of the war. In some colleges it has already come. Instead of being a movement allowing the undergraduates greater freedom, however, it has resulted in reducing the number of electives. Dartmouth is the latest to restrict the student in his choice of studies. This action has received favorable editorial comment in one of the Boston papers.

Although the University system is well known it may not be amiss to repeat it for the benefit of those who have entered since the war. Instead of forcing the student, while his opinions are yet unformed, to choose some arbitrary course of study, instead of surrounding him with rules and restrictions, his program of work is left to his own taste and initiative. Certain guiding principles must be complied with. Advice and suggestions are fully given; his proposed plan for study must be duly approved. It has always been considered, however, that he is old enough to choose for himself and that the best results could be obtained, not by dictation as at other colleges, but by pointing out the right way. Results have so far justified this theory.

The right sort of personal interest on the part of the undergraduate is presupposed. Obviously, unless he chooses the course that will be of most benefit to him, the system will be a failure. There are some who are guided by other considerations, although few carry it to the extent of the student who had, "no course before ten, none after one, none on Mondays or Saturdays, and none above the ground floor."

During the few weeks that remain before the examinations, the members of the class of 1922 would do well to plan carefully their programs of concentration and distribution. If the ideals which have so far governed the University are to be justified, the undergraduates must continue to show maturity and thoughtfulness.