<p>nvm wrong forum.</p>
<p>oops.</p>
<p>Your “life/future” would not be ruined if you did not attend a top ten school. From what I have seen the big investment banks and consulting firms do like to hire Ivy grads and similar but I know several bankers in my surrounding towns who attended good schools and eventually ended up in the big banks and consulting. In fact many of them started in completly different majors and careers and found their way into the careers you mention. </p>
<p>As for the kids that my sons grew up with in our town I have seen some interesting trends. The kids who have gone to our state school are either unemployed or severly underemployed. It looks like much fewer of these kids currently have jobs vs their peers who attended out of state or known privates. I am beginning to think it is more about personality and work ethic of the kids who have chosen to go out of their comfort zone during the college years than the fact that some went to somewhat better privates than our state school. </p>
<p>The kids who have attended the Ivy’s and other top schools have faired better in this economy with getting the first offer. The first offer is not a sign of what their life will develop into. They had an easier time but they are expected to perform and put in very long hours. I have seen this with all of my sons. </p>
<p>My advice to you is to go to the best school that you and your parents could afford. While you are in school make as many connections with professors as possible, position yourself so that you are interning in the summer months (not starbucks or a burger joint) and obtain the highest GPA possible. If there is a time when you need the pocket money there is nothing wrong with working fast food or anywhere else. It is better to have money in your pocket than to walk around with an attitude that you are better than someone who works in minimum wage jobs. Getting your first real job will be contingent upon the things you did that set you apart from the many other grads that are coming into the job market. </p>
<p>Relax about where your future is going. You are at the time of your life when you can make your future go in the direction that you are want it to go. There are too many kids today that still think a degree means a job, and those days are over. When you are in school push it up a notch and instead of partying all of the time look for experiences on the campus that will add to your resume.</p>
<p>Go with the attitude that you are neither better off or worse off than anyone else. Stay humble and work hard.</p>
<p>@momma-three</p>
<p>Thanks. I was feeling pretty down and you made me feel a lot better. :)</p>