Top universities across the United States reveal a new caliber for the admissions process after requiring more field experience prerequisites on top of an outstanding academic performance and extracurriculars. This implementation stems from both a continually competitive applicant pool, along with the overwhelming complaint of individuals unable to find careers after graduation despite obtaining a degree. 

The response? “It does not fall upon the institution to prepare students for the world post-grad,” one statement reads, “It’s simply not our fault most of you are underprepared.” 

Long gone are the days when intelligence got you into college. The 21st century demands more. Admissions personnel now suggest that career preparation begins from the minute children find themselves in the education system. One university president explains, “We encourage parents to pay close attention to their child’s innate abilities and look for opportunities from there. Childhood is the best time to build up your resume because the days feel long and energy is high.”

Burnout won’t hit until the preteen years, so little ones must work overtime to make up for lost time in the nonverbal toddler stage. Kids as young as five years old have already been showing face in prestigious internship programs across the country. Some showcase promising skills in engineering through Lego competitions, while others shadow law firms for their inherent defensiveness. According to these new standards, it would be ideal for individuals to have already had at least a couple of internships by the time they enter middle school. Say goodbye to the Girl Scouts and tap classes (unless you’re the next Ginger Rogers) — if you want to have a future beyond high school, keep your eye on building those academic qualifications. It’s not like the cookies are that good anyway.