Does It Really Matter Where I Go to College?
Does It Really Matter Where I Go to College?
As admissions decisions continue to pour in for high school students across the world, the balance of power in the process shifts. It is time for students to make difficult choices about where they will take their next academic step. Given the amount of work that goes into applying to college, the stress that accompanies waiting, and the pressure to differentiate themselves from thousands of qualified applicants, it’s only natural that students (and their parents) place much of their self-worth in the outcome of this process. Are they right to do so? Does it really matter where a student attends college? Every college applicant wants to position him or herself for the best chance at success; but how much does the name on the diploma matter in the real world after graduation? Let’s take a deeper dive.
How Much It Matters Depends on You
This should go without saying, but not every applicant is the same. Your personal background will play a major factor in how much of a difference where you attend college matters for your future prospects. This issue has been studied extensively over the last 15 years, with newer research taking a closer look at how subgroups of students are affected differently.
The Power of Networks
The real benefit of attending any respected institution is forged outside of the classroom just as much, if not more, than inside it. This is the true power of attending elite institutions. Connecting with industry leaders and professionals with high levels of access—especially in “power” fields like law, medicine, and business—can put students at certain schools ahead of the field for jobs, internships, and graduate school opportunities. Gaining this access is especially important for students from underrepresented groups and low socioeconomic backgrounds, who are much less-likely to be able to build this kind of network on their own.For them, attending a prestigious college or university can level the playing field, and open new avenues not just for them but their entire community. This is one of the reasons admissions offices at elite institutions value creating diverse student bodies that include students historically left on the sidelines. Fostering these networks teaches students how to communicate with professionals, collaborate with teams, and activate ideas. As you are evaluating which of the schools that admitted you to attend, investigate the strength of their network relative to your interests and picture how you might take advantage of it.
The Importance of Fit
Imagine a designer shoe store having a massive sale. Immediately a beautiful, one-of-a-kind pair catches your eye. You grab it only to realize it’s the wrong size. You could try to squeeze into it, or you could get excited about a pair that fits you better.Selecting your college is very similar. You may have your heart set on a particular place only to realize after visiting and learning more that it doesn’t quite fit as well as you thought it would. You can either force the match or get excited about a place that has what you are looking for. Does the school you hope to attend suit your learning style? Does it have programs that benefit you and pique your academic interest? Does it have a strong reputation for creating successful professionals in the industry that’s relevant to you? Ask yourself these questions and more until you’re confident you’re picking a place that will bring out the best in you.
The Value of Personal Qualities
Not surprisingly, more important than the name of the school you attend is the kind of student you decide you will be. Will you take advantage of the resources on that campus or will you do the minimum required to graduate? It doesn’t matter how great the school is or what opportunities it may provide if you aren’t proactive and prepared to seize the moment. Pick a school that will amplify your positive intangibles and challenge you to improve your weaker ones until they also become strengths. That place might not be the most elite school you were accepted to. Can you handle being a fish in the ocean or do you need a smaller pond to swim your best? In other words, how will being surrounded by the most competitive, accomplished students affect your own performance? You may be used to being the center of attention or seeing your work ethic outshine your peers. The more selective a university is, the more difficult it is to distinguish yourself on the basis of intelligence alone. Are you prepared to work in a way that’s necessary to maximize your skills and talents? Ultimately, this is significantly more important to your future success and earning potential.
The Allure of Prestige
How important is it to you that people know the name brand of where you go to college? Do you want to wear your school sweatshirt in town and have people immediately feel a certain way about you? For many students, attending an elite college is validation for all their hard work and natural intellect. While it’s understandable to consider the prestige of a college in making a final decision, remember that prestige alone will not open doors. How you access the strength of that particular school’s network and resources will determine how far you go. If you select a college with a better reputation but a worse personal fit, you risk stunting your own growth. Consider how well a school can prepare you for the future you envision. Employers and decision makers also think about this. It’s more important that they understand the quality of education your school offers than the people in your hometown. Ultimately where you attend college can matter, and elite schools do give students great advantages in life. But these advantages are less the result of common wisdom about how “good” a place like Harvard is at face value and more the result of exceptional students coming together to challenge themselves. As you find the place that motivates you to reach your fullest potential, keep in mind that it may not be the most popular or well-known school on your list. But when you graduate as a more confident, intelligent, connected person, it will all be worth it.
The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.
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