You’ve been sleeping in your mom’s old Harvard t-shirt since the fourth grade. The protagonist from your favorite novel went to Princeton. Rory Gilmore went to Yale. Storied Ivy League universities beckon, but are they the best fit for you?
Rethinking Prestige: Finding Your Perfect College Match
I urge both parents and students to think beyond the Ivy League or the bumper sticker school, the school that is so well known and widely acclaimed that you just want to shout its name from the rooftops. Because after you tell your friends and family where you are going to college, after you decorate your room with the pendant and buy the sweatshirt and flannel pants emblazoned with your college’s logo, the person left going to the school is you.
- Will you be happy there?
- Does the school meet your academic, social, and emotional needs?
- Is it a place where you can envision yourself thriving?
Evaluating Colleges Beyond the Brand
I will never discourage you from applying to a “name brand” school, but I will ask you to evaluate the institution on its own merits. Prestige is a factor, sure, but let’s evaluate why. Are you looking to go into a certain field where a degree from Wharton will open doors for you? Would a degree from a business school like Kelley School of Business at Indiana or Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond open doors too?
According to a wide body of research, student “outcomes” such as the amount of money you make when you graduate, depend less on the specific school you attend and more on how you perform at that school and, ultimately, if you graduate from that school.
Finding a place where you will be successful and have a fulfilling experience is more important than an Ivy League crest.
The Big Fish in a Small Pond Scenario
Reflect on what it will feel like to be a little fish in a big pond. If you are used to being the very best student in your class, going to Cornell might feel like a culture shock. You may enjoy that challenge and rise to it. Or you might prefer to be in a different environment.
Look Beyond the Name
Again, no judgment. I went to Brown. But promise me you will look beyond the name and search for the place that resonates with you personally—one where you can imagine yourself living and learning happily. Search for a place that resonates with you personally, one where you can imagine yourself happily living and learning. The right college for you is one that feels like home and supports your growth, both academically and personally. Remember, the best college for you is the one where you will thrive, not just survive.
