Ability Quote by Derek Bok
“The college that takes students with modest entering abilities and improves their abilities substantially contributes more than the school that takes very bright students and helps them develop only modestly.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Higher Education, Derek Bok, 1998
Institutions that elevate average students create greater societal impact than elite schools that only modestly advance gifted students.
In simple terms: Helping average students improves society more.
Focus on raising the median.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- college admissions
- policy making
- educational reform
- student support programs
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can elite schools share resources with average institutions?
- What policies best support broad student development?
Elite institutions also drive innovation and research breakthroughs.