<p>I don’t spend time worrying about what others do. But…I assume they’re in the market for a job where an Ivy education will get them a 2nd look.</p>
<p>If applicant #1 has no job experience but an undergrad degree from Anystate University, and applicant #2’s application says “Harvard”! That MEANS something different, to MANY employers…like it or not. There is a reason these schools produce our nation’s scholars and leaders. Yes, a few come from public schools. But, let’s face it…getting a “better” education (defined in many ways) at a private Ivy is just not the same thing as you can get from your in-state public U. Same with high schools, wonder why all the fuss? If you attend ECEPP School (you know…East Coast Expensive Private Prep School)…you DID get a better education than MFANAPS (Midwest Farmland Agricultural No AP School). You’re better prepared and you have a better chance of getting admitted to an elite college.</p>
<p>Same with College degree and jobs. For many/most jobs…you’re BETTER prepared at ANY Ivy…as compared to that same State University. Now, if you want to be a veterinarian, and work in Indiana…Purdue might be your first choice. </p>
<p>And why does everyone wonder when people apply to schools of different sizes and in different areas of the country? It’s the rigorous education one is looking for, right? If you want to learn only in a particular area, or only in a big city or small school, you’re REALLY limited yourself. Yes, that’s one of the factors for most students. But the “social/living” aspect, for one whose goal is education, should really come in 2nd. If one has to meet their piano instructor in a dank basement apartment…but they’re THE best instructor…then they go to the basement. If you live in a town where the education isn’t great, maybe home schooling is the better option, even if it might not provide the same social interaction. If it’s about the knowledge…go where you can get it. Or, if you believe the name of your school will get you a better job…go get it. Your potential employer doesn’t CARE what your small town college life was like, or whether or not you were in an eating club. You may not get to have/select EVERYTHING you want. But, if you can have an Ivy school that doesn’t necessarily “fit” your ideal lifestyle for 4 years…so be it. Deal with it and get that sheepskin anyway. Your resume says IVY and that proves something to them. </p>
<p>When applying for college my neice was told that her “A” at a big public school was not the same as an “A” from an elite private high school. Rightly so. They are NOT the same education. </p>
<p>Luck to ALL applicants, regardless of their personal choices in where to apply.</p>
<p>meghn…YES. Successful, hard working kids DO try for the “best” possible college. But this once industrious country is getting SO lazy it scares me. “Well, I don’t like the dorms at that college”, or “No…the school colors or mascot aren’t my favorite”. People didn’t used to even be able to visit colleges. You got what you considered the most for the least. Whatever was the “best” education for YOUR dollar…that’s where you went! If you wanted rolling hills and suburbia…and you got that at your state college…but you also got into NYU (and could afford it!)…then by golly you went to NYU…and you tough out whatever doesn’t “fit” perfectly…for the sake of your education. We have to take jobs we don’t love, because we MUST earn a living. And it’s unfortunately frequently not a good “fit”.</p>