Brittany is now a Junior in high school and is looking at colleges. I have always stressed to my kids how important it is to do well in high school and get into a good college. When I applied to college, I had no idea of the "academic power curve." I applied to one college. I had no idea that if you did not go to the right college, your choices in life were going to be limited. I knew some colleges were better than others, but I had no idea that you were going to be judged the rest of your life based on the college you went to. I know that now. Therefore, I tell any high school student that will listen that you should go to the best college you can get into. What do I mean - best college? I mean the school with the best overall reputation and academic strength. Just look up the top schools at US News and World Report and shoot for the highest school that you can realistically get into. It is that simple. Sounds crazy right? It's not.
What About Other Factors?
Many people will say that there are many different factors to consider when looking for the right college. Of course there are other factors to consider - strength in your prospective major, campus life, etc. However, all of these are a distant second compared to academics and overall reputation. For example, do you know how many students change their major? A bunch. Furthermore, how many high school Juniors or Seniors really know what they want to major in? Not many. That's why many school don't even allow you to declare a major into after your first or even second year. Misty and I both changed our majors in college. Picking State U based on the fact that "they have a good accounting program" is just crazy. Chances are high that you are not going to be an accountant. Campus life and location are overrated. College is college. It will be great regardless of where you go. Furthermore, the best schools have a terrific campus atmosphere. You are likely to have a better campus experience at a top university. Also, remember that you are at college to study and prepare for your future - not party. Have fun, of course. But remember your priorities.
What About the Money?
Finally the consideration that drives me the most crazy - what about the money? Why would I pay $80,000 to go to a top university when I can go to a solid state school for $30,000? Seems logical right? Wrong. That is very short sighted and somewhat naive.
The amount of money a school cost should NOT even be a consideration. How can I say that? The cost is important. Just like buying anything else in life right? Remember, this is the most important investment that you are ever going to make. The college you attend will be a key determining factor in your success as a professional. It will determine your initial credibility in many professional (and even personal) situations the rest of your life. It will determine the opportunities that are available to you (i.e., graduate school, internships, interviews, leadership positions and jobs) and your future income. Remember, as a percentage of your lifetime earnings, the cost of even the most expensive college is nothing. Misty and I took out a substantial amount of loans to pay for our college education. That was money very well spent. What is a better investment, the $300,000 you spend on a house or the $80,000 you would be required to borrow to attend a top school? It is not even close. The credential of a top college will enable you to earn a good income for the rest of your life. Furthermore, grants and scholarships are generally available to cover most of a students education if a student's parents can not write the check. The bottom line is, go to the best college you can get into and don't worry about the cost.
I got lucky. I went to an average college and did very well. That enabled me to go to an elite law school. However, I was one of only a handful of students at my law school that did not go to a top undergraduates school. I now understand. I wish I would have known the challenges that are created by not going to the right school. High school students are making a decision that will impact the rest of their life. They should not be short sited.
Choose wisely my friend, choose wisely.
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