How I Got into College

How I Got into College is a delightful 1989 comedy movie that satirizes the anxieties and oddities of the college application process. Crafted under the directorship of Savage Steve Holland, the film boasts an exciting cast including Anthony Edwards, Corey Parker, and Lara Flynn Boyle.

The film follows Marlon Browne (Corey Parker), a genial but academically underachieving high school senior whose post-graduation plans don't extend beyond vague ideas. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes smitten with Jessica Kailo (Lara Flynn Boyle), the class valedictorian. Jessica has her sights set on Ramsey College, a prestigious and competitive institution. Out of love for Jessica, Marlon decides to apply to Ramsey as well without any consideration for his academic ability or the suitability of the college choice.

The plot handles the themes of college enrolment, academic pressure, and teenage romance. It takes the audience on a journey through the eccentricities of college admissions, accentuated by the comedic exchanges between high school students and college admissions officers. Anthony Edwards delivers a striking performance as Kip Hammett, an offbeat Ramsey admissions officer who empathizes with the students more than his job allows. This creates an interesting dynamic that offers a different spin on a classic 'coming-of-age' genre.

The film uses comedy to fashion a critique of the pressure-filled process of college admissions, showing the extremes to which applicants and their parents will go to secure spots at prestigious institutions. The depiction of Marlon's struggle with the SAT prep and his eventual encounter with the intimidating SAT itself bears testimony to the pressure high school students face during this process. His journey is fraught with faulty advice, misleading strategies, and hilarious, misguided attempts to game the system – all of which paint a comically eccentric picture of the college admissions process.

On the other hand, Jessica's character personifies the academy-obsessed, high-achieving student who, despite her academic excellence, lacks assurance of her chance at admission into her dream school due to its highly competitive nature. This lifts the curtain on another aspect of the college admission process – the adverse emotional impact it can have on students.

In addition to tackling serious themes, the film is light-hearted and fun, with comedic and outlandish situations that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. The cast adds to this comic charm, making the characters relatable and their journeys more engaging. The chemistry between Corey Parker and Lara Flynn Boyle is enjoyable, and the performances of the supporting cast, which includes Sally Kellerman, Phill Lewis, and Tom Kenny, give the movie an added flavor of versatility.

Despite its primary focus on comedy, How I Got into College treats its characters with the utmost respect. Even when caricaturing the quirks and eccentricities of institutions, parents, and assistants, the film retains the character's dignity, allowing them to be recognized as authentic individuals. This respect adds depth and balance to the films, making it more endearing and relatable.

Additionally, the film subtly points out the fundamental flaws and absurdities within the college admissions system. It questions the unremitting stress and anxiety inflicted on students and the situational comedy derived from these scenarios often hits too close to home, making the critique hard-hitting and powerful while still retaining its humorous charm.

How I Got into College marries comedy with a poignant commentary on the process of college admissions. Using laugh-out-loud moments and quirky characters, the film explores the high-pressure stakes of higher education in a way that is both light-hearted and meaningful. Layered with romance, teenage angst, and a charming cast, the movie offers a unique and entertaining perspective on a fundamental right-of-passage experience. It's a must-watch for those who've traversed this path before and those ready to embark on the journey.