Top colleges, especially the IVY League institutes, are everyone’s dream. With a limited number of seats, the competition is tough. And aspiring students give their all to win a seat in these prestigious institutes.

However, what if you are a student who is tirelessly working to enroll in your dream program at a top college, and you find out that someone else got the admission because they had some connections with top management and paid a hefty donation? That’d be heartbreaking.

That’s the concept of backdoor admission; when top colleges go against the principle of meritocracy and admit students based upon their influence instead of their talent. This practice is as unfair as it can get.

Sahaj Sharda, a law student from Columbia Law School, is spotlighting the issue using every platform he can. He strives to accelerate his movement against such unfair practices of top educational institutes in hopes to create a more level and just higher-ed landscape.

Imagine the psychological trauma students go through when they feel that what they worked for their whole life meant nothing. While there may be other reasons for rejection, the thought of backdoor admissions still lurks around. This is especially true for students who miss the mark by a very small margin.

As the existence of backdoor admissions can not be denied, these students feel that what stood between them and a seat in colleges was the fact they were born into a middle-class family. Only if they had enough financial influence, they would have easily accessed the quality education they desired. That feeling breaks your spirit, creating frustration.

Besides that, it monopolizes education for the elite, making it inaccessible to the middle class.

Education is considered to be the best way to climb up the social ladder, and by prioritizing the rich, these top colleges will take away the only chance of living a good life the less privileged have.

For now, this practice has not become the norm, so students still have a chance but as things stand, higher education may soon become exclusive to those who have the financial backing. Before such a future becomes inevitable, Sharda aims to topple the unjust system.

He is fighting these top colleges, that he calls a cartel, to rid themselves of backdoor admissions and price fixing.

He is advocating for a fairer system. His protests draw attention to the frustrations experienced by numerous students who believe their efforts are undermined by an unfair practice. Through peaceful demonstrations and compelling arguments, Sharda forces a dialogue about the need for change. His dedication has sparked awareness and is aimed at prompting institutions to consider reform. Sharda's commitment to this cause is unrelenting.

"The College Cartel," a book authored by Sharda, offers an insightful analysis of backdoor admissions. Grounded in thorough research and personal accounts, the book unveils the layers of secrecy that have long shrouded this issue.

Sharda's perspective resonates with those who have encountered the consequences of an unjust system, shedding light on how power and influence can manipulate education to favor a select few. His well-balanced narrative not only exposes flaws within higher education but also encourages those seeking a fairer future.

With a resolute stance, Sharda's advocacy serves as a call to action for individuals who value fairness, transparency, and the fundamental principles of meritocracy. The issue of backdoor admissions is one that requires open discussion and examination. Sharda hopes to serve as a catalyst for change, urging institutions to reevaluate their values and priorities.

In conclusion, the battle against backdoor admissions is a battle for the integrity of education. Sahaj Sharda's perspective provides insight into the injustice that middle-class students face when competing with a system that favors connections over merit. Through protests and his book, Sharda aims to drive the change. The fight against backdoor admissions is not just about justice; it's about preserving education as a means of equal opportunity and progress.