Are The Top US Colleges Really Tops?
While every year there seems to be a furor over which schools will be ranked at the top, there is hardly ever fluctuation with the top US colleges- let’s say, the top 20 list. But how do those colleges stay at the top? And are they really better than the lower ranked colleges? Well, here’s my take:
Why are the top US colleges always at the top?
The rankings create a vicious cycle. Being ranked as a top US college makes it easier to generate more money to provide more, well …everything to students. The order goes like this: Make list, make money, make yourself better with money, thus making list again, to make more money, to — well, you get the drift.
Are the top US colleges really better?
The top US colleges are considered the best for a variety of reasons, but none of these factors guarantee a student’s happiness. As we know, students at Harvard, Stanford and Yale do drop out or transfer to other universities. We also have to remember that these universities direct their money toward research and other areas which will, again, increase the prestige of the school. These schools may have beautiful museums and libraries, but that doesn’t guarantee that a professor rather than a doctoral student will teach your anthropology 101 course.
However, it is safe to say that most people leave these schools with a greater sense of affinity toward their alma mater than those from the lower ranked schools. But these schools are not for everyone, nor should they be. The top US colleges are ranked at the top only because there is a ranking system, period. Many wise professors and students can be found at universities and colleges all over the country. Someone said to me once, “the toys for kids are everywhere. Toy stores are so obscene it’s sickening. All my kid ever had was a few Tupperware and wooden spoons and she was such a happy kid”. That “happy kid” later became one of my students. She was really a brilliant and content young lady. She actually had the chance to go to a top US college, but decided against it because although it was a top ranked school, it wasn’t the best fit for her.
So, before you stress too much about getting into a top US college, make sure the school is right for you. For more info, check out: US College Rankings: Concentrating on “Fit” over “Rank”.
