The Too-Busy Life Of Today's Student

Webster’s defines “student” as “one who attends a school” and “one who studies.” The first version is a safer bet than the second, judging by the latest National Survey of Student Engagement. It queried first-year students and seniors at four-year colleges and universities. While students spend some time studying, other pastimes compete for their waking hours (see the chart). As the undergraduate cohort has grown beyond the usual right-out-of-high-school crowd, more students are responsible for children and other dependents.