subject: Why Top Colleges Are Not Always The Best Option For Students? [print this page] When choosing a college, a common perception shared by the majority of student is that the top ranked colleges in the country are the best options available. The latter is only partially true, or in other words, in might not work for all students. Assuming that such statement requires explanation, the following article will attempt to provide it, outlining the factors that should be known, before considering enrollment in the best colleges in the country.
Overview
First things first, it is undeniable that top colleges are great educational institutions, and there is a reason for them being ranked that high. The ranking criteria of colleges might include such elements as the number of successful graduates, becoming CEOs, presidents, leading researchers, etc. In that regard, it can be stated that they can be bad in doing what they are supposed to do, i.e. providing knowledge necessary for students to success. However, there are factors that might not be apparent at first sight.
Coping with High Standards
An important element that might be overlooked when choosing a top college is the consequences of high standards top colleges might impose. Top colleges in the countries are research universities at the same time, and in that regard, it can be stated that the high standards they put might be an obstacle for a typical student. Such standards not only might ruin ones confidence, they might also lead to students being frustrated, when choosing their specialization.
The Price of a Brand
It cannot be argued that such names as Harvard, Stanford and Yale are brands. Accordingly, the students have to pay a very high price for such brand, while basically they are many other good universities providing the same product. Indeed, the name of the brand can be helpful when looking for a job. However, the question might be rephrased as a matter of choice: do I want to spend the next ten years trying to pay college debt for an increased chance of being hired at Microsoft, or do I want to rely on the knowledge and skills that I can acquire, saving the rest for a better purpose. In such formulation the answer might be obvious.
