Did I make the wrong college choice?

TopTier
Tue, 10 Feb 2015 23:19:59 +0000

@gearmom (re post #43 and #44):

Yes, and I have for many years, However, that still does not explain why attendance at the first-tier National Research Universities and LACs becomes more sought after and more competitive annually. I absolutely understand financial limitations, developmental constraints, geographic imperatives, other critical responsibilities, and – plainly stated – the fact that many people could not succeed (personally, intellectually, academically and socially) at the “most elite” institutions.

Great, remove all those individuals from this analysis. There is still a VERY large group – with none of these absolutely legitimate restrictions – who could attend East Swampy State (far reduced admissions selectivity, much lower costs, entirely less demanding and competitive academics, and probably appreciably more fun, too), yet they choose to make huge sacrifices and to devote incredible efforts to try to matriculate and to graduate from one of the “prestige” universities. Why?

You haven’t replied to my three questions in post #36 nor my question concerning youngsters’ arrogance in post #42. I’m beginning to believe you are avoiding responses to these important issues, simply because you don’t have persuasive answers that sustain your position.

P. S.: I’d wager that far less than one percent of students at the universities you malign are admitted entirely due to legacy or celebrity, and I define this as those who are not completely qualified based only on their documented records . . . it’s not sinful or inappropriate to attend an elite university if your parent is an alum or a well known individual – but you qualify based on your own performance – is it?