Rhetorical Analysis Are too many people going to college? This question has been contemplated over for years. The increased cost of college throughout the years has caused the question to become even more relevant. Charles Murray, an author from the American Enterprise Institute, wrote the essay entitled “Are Too Many People Going to College?” Murray’s essay sought ought to explain that universities are being filled with students who are either not prepared for higher education or who are compelled into attending college and are unable to succeed because the lack of inherent abilities. While Murray makes many pertinent points about America’s infatuation with the B.A as a standard into a class of intellectual elite the essay does not take into consideration the individual influences that may lead to a student’s success. This essay will analyze and critique Murray’s view of why the pursuit of a B.A can lead to more harm than good. Murray’s main argument throughout his essay is that the perceived reward of a college degree disseminates to those seeking higher education and inevitably does more harm than good. He argues that many students do not have the ability to enjoy and finish a four year degree. This leads the student to being stigmatized and in debt due to his or her failure. Murray further establishes his argument by saying that more people continue to go to college because they are programmed into believing, regardless of their abilities, to pursue college as an essential development into becoming a beneficial U.S citizen. Murray claims that he is not against higher education but that there are alternate routes in which one may go about acquiring that education. Murray’s simple structure and conversational instructive tone throughout his argument makes it easy to follow and understand. The audience he connects with are groups of scholars and other journalist who reads selections from the American Enterprise Institute. These individuals may have knowledge of the challenges of college themselves so they would easily identify with Murray or disagree with his arguments. Murray hope this would leave these people to begin develop a better way for people to achieve academic or professional success. Also this essay translates easily to those in position of seeking higher education so they will understand Murray’s point of view. Murray applies the rhetorical appeals of pathos, ethos, and logos throughout the essay. His rhetorical appeal on pathos is used to help promote his view on society’s misalignment of understanding that all youth should be prepared to attend college. He argues that a student who has the natural abilities for liking the stringent work it takes to complete a college education, and whose SAT scores meets the threshold for college readiness, is more likely to succeed than a student that does not have those same abilities. Because these student s are grouped as one and are all given one option the students who do not have those abilities are being set up to fail ( Murray 227). Murray’s ethos appeal propose that guidance counselors and others with a vested interest in a student’s should take heed to the student’s strengths and they may realize college is not the best option. Murray argues, “Guidance counselors and parents who automatically encourage young people to go to college straight out of high school regardless of their skills and interests are being thoughtless about the best interests of young people in their charge (Murray 238).” Murray’s logos appeal is used throughout his essay because it is the basis of his argument. He puts in perspective that the acquiring of a college degree does not guarantee the rewards that is promised (Murray 233). He also gives an example of a student who is deciding on whether or not he should go to college for hotel management or if he should skip college and be an engineer. Murray compared his earnings throughout the years of going to college or being an engineer. The logical choice in the end was proven to be an engineer (Murray 234). He also claimed that attending a traditional brick-and-mortar university is becoming obsolete because of technological progress. This statement by Murray claims that the purpose of attending college is more of a nice to have rather than a must have that is indoctrinated to most students at a young age (Murray 232). Murray’s essay make many salient points that support his arguments. However, there are many fallacies that Murray engages in that negates other arguments he used to support his claim. Murray’s claim that students who does not have the capable abilities to enjoy learning and who also test low on the SAT should pursue vocational education, which would allow them to promptly enter the workforce, is a hasty generalization (Murray 226). This statement makes the presumption that students who do not possess the skills to enjoy college or have low test scores will not do well in college, and probably drop out of college. Also the thought that because those student who does not enjoy college would be less inclined to finish is generalization. Murray uses another fallacy when assumes that those who are average learners would be happier pursuing a vocation rather than have a college education thrown upon them, This fallacy is a slippery slope that suggests that the student will inevitably fail if they pursue a college education. Murray does not take in account personal motivators that a student may have that would push them to succeed. Another use of a fallacy Murray engages in is when he gives the comparison of the student deciding to go to college or become an engineer. Murray engages in a false dichotomy. He makes it seems as if the student only had two pathways with only one answer, in in reality there are other possibilities (Murray 234). Murray’s use of logical fallacies creates the tone to counter argue his views. His arguments often set up an either or view on things. Murray basis of his whole paper is that there are other options of succeeding without getting a B.A. However, he is stating that only a peculiar type of student is can has the ability to acquire a B.A and be successful. Murray ignores the progress a student can make throughout their life and makes assumptions on what they are able to do at the present. Murray’s ability to not recognize the assumption of change in a student is what makes some of his arguments invalid, and would be a great start for a counter-argument. Murray’s essay makes strong argument in why America’s view on higher education should change. The fact is there are other ways to succeed without acquiring a B.A and students should be made aware of that. Murray uses rhetorical appeals throughout this essay to promote his views and support his arguments. While his use logical fallacies created holes in in his data overall Murray’s point was proven and understood. What can be done to further promote this message is to work with parents and counselors at high schools to make students aware that college does not have to be an immediate step after high school. Also more awareness around this situation could help students realize sooner their own interests and skills so that they may be prepared for their next move out of high school. Murray’s essay stated his answer to “are too many people going to college”, and will help raise awareness around a stigma that has been in place for a long time.

Work Cited Murray, Charles. “Are Too Many People Going to College?” “They Say/ I Say”: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing With Readings, 2#ed. Ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, Russel Durst. New York: W.W. Norton, 2012. 222-242. Print.