<p>Why do people have to be so condescending towards those who are going to lower ranked schools? I’ve been having this huge issue at my school, and everyone has a stick stuck up their a**. For example, a girl I know is going to attend the University of Pennsylvania; I am actually going to attend Penn State-Main Campus. But anyways, this girl is very condescending about the school i’m going to, always subtly insulting my school or just looking down upon me because I go to “Penn State.” This isn’t just with me; i’ve noticed it happens to others, too. One of my best friends is going to UT-Austin and the valedictorian, who is going to Georgetown is so mean to her for no reason. Ever since some people got into these prestigious schools, they have been acting like they are gods! It makes me feel like I’m worth nothing. However, I do know some “smart” people who are going to top schools who are very friendly as well. I just don’t get certain people and why they have to bash on those who are attending lower ranked schools; it’s not like Penn State and UT-Austin are “jokes” like they say they are. Honestly, I’m surprised what the admissions saw in those pretentious students. Sorry this was more of a rant…heat of the moment kind of thing. Anyway, why do people think rankings are everything? Some programs at a school can be better than one at another “top” school. Rankings seriously brainwash society.</p>
<p>Sorry i asked this in another forum, but i figured i’d ask here to hear from actual students at psu (or penn if you’re here).</p>
<p>A couple of reasons come to mind: (1) they’re just idiots, (2) they are fundamentally insecure and need to put others down in order to feel good about themselves, or (3) they’re just idiots! :)</p>
<p>You are correct - both PSU and UT-Austin are great schools. However, as big state flagships, they are VERY different from private universities such as Penn and Georgetown. But, as you pointed out, these big schools often have programs (and top notch programs) that other schools do not offer. </p>
<p>Some people aim to attend the best school they can get into. Others make a final decision based on fit (taking into consideration many variables). Personally, I think “fit” is more important, but not everyone agrees.</p>
<p>I agree that these sort of comments usually come from people with insecurities. I must add that I have one kid at PSU and one kid who attended an ivy. Each school has been great and both kids have made wonderful, down-to-earth friends. Please don’t let the comments of a few cause you to stereotype all the kids who attend the other schools. That is also unfair and something I hear quite often.</p>
<p>One reason Penn people tend to behave this way towards PSU is because a lot of people (not the people who matter, though) confuse Penn and Penn State.</p>
<p>There’s no reason for people to behave this way and it probably does come down to insecurity. That being said, saying “rankings brainwash society” is taking it too far. Even as a Penn State graduate, I have no problem admitting that there are institutions out there that are far superior overall to PSU.</p>
<p>I’m proud to be a Penn Stater, but if I had the choice to attend an ivy league school, I would have loved to do it :). PSU engineering rankings are really good though, depending on what you want to study.
Private school will of course sound more prestigious.</p>