Note on Admissions Standard at the University, undated

The idea expressed in the extract from the Staunton Spectator is not an uncommon one. Many persons not acquainted with the peculiar organization of the Univversity, or not adverting to it, has been induced to think that its authorities ought to be more stringent in the requirements for admission. We will not say that under the circumstances of the case, a greater stringency would be impossible, but it seems to us extemely difficult to reconcile a change of policy in that respect with those prominent features of the institution which have chiefly contributed to the distincttion it enjoys. We know that the evil in question has been {much} deplored by the Faculty and [a?] as in there lies, would

in doubt not, [li?] reformed, if they knew how to do it, without interfering with the fundamental principle of {elective studies]}. {[illeg.]} the system - which is that each student shall elect the studies to which he will devote himself

A comparison with other colleges is fallacious because they employ {} a regular + uniform curriculum of study, + it is easy + proper to adopt a general standard of knowledge for admission. But how can this be done at this University? In most other schools, as in those of Moral Philoso{each Student selects the school, he} phy, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, {the school}, Med{could attend in most of which no?]} icines + Law, no Special preliminary institution can be exected {is practicable.]} In the schools where such previous instruction is practicable, as in those of Ancient languages, + Mathematics, especially, the necessary knowledge is executed. When a student wishes to learn Natural Philosophy, why should he be expected to posessess any acquaintance with Latin or if

he prepares to devote his attention to Chemistry, why must he undergo an examination upon Mathematics? The system of elective studies which upon the whole has proved so immensely beneficial, has therefore incident to it, + no fear inseparable incident the drawback of tempting ill advised young men to occasionally to embark in studies for which they are unfitted by [previous?[ discipline; and yet we greatly doubt whether any instutiton of learning, if any grade, inhibits a larger proposition of diligent + empowering students, and [illeg.], we apprehend, so many young men thoroughly in stunted in the particular handles of knowledge to which they have applied themselves.