<p>Today I visited a little-known and low-ranked (“third tier”) school called Maryville College, and I LOVED it. I think that I would be challenged and happy there, and I have about a 90% chance of getting in. Is it wrong of me to prefer such a humble place to the flashier, higher-ranked schools on my list, especially if I want to go to graduate school?</p>
<p>Sure. I’m doing the same thing myself. (University of Dayton is my Fav. in general right now :))</p>
<p>I believe you caught a little known syndrome as “midwestern settling”. Very common in non-coasters who are a little less idealistic and a little more blue-collar. We look beyond the name to what the school really offers, and see with a more practical view how we will monetarily benefit from attending such a school. </p>
<p>In the NE, the “public option” is a shoddy piece of crap like URI, ZooMass, U Del, UNH, UVM, or even the very hated Rutgers and TCNJ. This makes the local private schools like HYPMDCB(UP)C look even more magical, and the outcome of not making the cut for these schools is even more dreaded. The non-coasters, in contrast, has very desirable public schools like those in the Big 10 or even the SEC.</p>
<p>So, I’d say that Maryville is a great option. We have someone from my public school in OH that also loves that school and wants to attend. It really sounds like a great place, and I would not hesitate considering spending the next four years there if it will save you money and give you an experience that you will love every day.</p>
<p>Nothing wrong with it at all. Second and third tier schools are often wonderful places to go to college. So long as you are comfortable with the environment, the academic challenge and the programs, then go for it.</p>
<p>Its YOUR life and YOUR future. Make the most of it.</p>
<p>^^Ha ha ha I think you’ve got the wrong school. I was talking about Maryville College in Tennessee, not Maryville University in Missouri. If you change “midwestern setting” to “southern setting” and remove the comments about state Us (UTennessee is not great), everything you said still applies.</p>
<p>No, my brother picked NC State over Harvard, not really for money issues (although that was a factor), but because he said he wants to be happy in life, he doesn’t care about how much money he makes. He liked it better, and he knew a friend from down there. </p>
<p>My sister did the same thing (on a lower scale), she went to SUNY Binghamton even though she got accepted to UNC.</p>
<p>I know when I go, I’d must like to go to Clemson, even though I could probably get into a tougher college. Life isn’t about getting into the best college, or making the most fun. Go where you like the best where as long as it’s not like WAY below what you’re capable (like 2400 SAT with 4.0 GPA going to Community College).</p>
<p>That school is on my junior son’s list. Haven’t toured yet. Glad there are some favorable reports of it.</p>
<p>No its not at all, it especially wouldn’t have such a large affect on you with intentions of attending graduate school elsewhere. If you “loved it” then certainly keep it on your list.</p>
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<p>Actually, that was the college I was talking about. I just called the syndrome “midwestern settling” because midwesterners are best known for having it.</p>
<p>Be positive about ANYcollege that interests you and that seems as though it would be a place where you would learn and enjoy yourself.</p>
<p>“Go where you like the best where as long as it’s not like WAY below what you’re capable (like 2400 SAT with 4.0 GPA going to Community College).”</p>
<p>Unless of course that is where you WANT to go - or NEED to go because of family/financial/other complications. Lots of community colleges have honors programs these days. A 2400 SAT, 4.0 GPA, good ECs, and good recs MIGHT get you into the honors programs at our local community college, or they might not. The spaces already could have gone to students with even better records than yours. The graduates of these programs go on to 4-year colleges and universities all over the country - famous-name and not-so-famous name included.</p>
<p>Only here at CC are people all in a swivet if they don’t get into fill-in-famous-name-college/university. Your best chance at becoming your own best self, and making your own best future, is by studying where you feel that you have the most certain chance of achieving those goals. It is certainly OK to love your x-tier school!</p>