| What I mean by "best" is that it is "better" ("best" is perhaps the wrong word) to talk to those IN the programs than to others who have simply read about the programs. And it is BETTER to talk to those in the programs than those who have simply visited. Talking with BOTH are of value, of course.
I very much agree that when talking to any of these people, it is important to consider the source, as well as acknowledge that each one will view a program from a personal perspective that you yourself may not share. I think all prospective students should talk to those in the programs but to be sure to talk to MORE THAN ONE student in a program in order to garner several views and vantage points as each student comes to the school from a different background, perspective, and personality. Their experience may not be yours, if you attend. However, it still helps to talk to those in the program.
I don't agree that everyone in a program loves their program. I have spoken to students in programs and some love it, some are lukewarm, some are maybe not so pleased about something or find it is not for them. Obviously, if you talk to the tour guide, you get the "cheerleader" for the school. But talking to many students is still quite helpful.
I think those on the outside can give INFORMATION about programs or what they like or not about them, but opinions about how good a program is tends to be more hearsay and not based on first hand experience. I read a lot of erroneous information right here on CC that some have about programs, and it is understandable as they do not have first hand knowledge of the programs.
I still believe that opinions about a program are more valid from those who are in the programs, or have visited at the least, than hearsay. Information itself, can be gotten from many sources, including those not affiliated with the program, as information is available in many forms. My feeling is that any student contemplating a college needs to go directly to the source (in addition to anyone else they talk to) such as current students, alum, and faculty/administration. Then judge accordingly if the college fits one's personal college criteria. What one outsider thinks about a school may not be close to what you yourself would think. Talking to anyone helps, but I maintain that conversing with those closest to the workings of a college are very important and more beneficial in the long run. I would not limit oneself to talking to outsiders, as they could never substitute for the real thing. They may help and I agree with you about considering the source, but I still think insiders are an important, if not better, source of opinion. Not every student loves their college. Even if they do, they can answer questions about each specific aspect that nobody on the outside could possibly know in the same way. |