<p>I’ve been surfing these boards since joining a while ago. Everyone seems so anxious. These boards don’t differ that much for those debating the virtues of this or that car or shampoo. Is it my imagination or is this a place that sees an education as a commodity? The level of anxiety and one-up-manship herein is really sad…</p>
<p>Send me to some boards where people are psyched about college!</p>
<p>I see what you’re saying. I read a post by Northstarmom today about how you can make a good life for yourself without going to an elite school. It was very true. I think all you have to do to succeed in life is believe in yourself, have enough drive, and have enough smarts to carry out your ideas. </p>
<p>Imho, too many people on this board are into prestigue. They seem want a diploma from an extremely prestigous university over being happy and obtaining enjoyment in their life. I personally shouldn’t talk much because I want to go to Columbia, however, I know I will not get in. The reason is what I just said. I would rather play some video games, watch a movie, or talk to my friends than study. I don’t do very much to aid my stats, which are mediocore by this site’s standards, yet everyone that knows me always tells me I will do great in life. I might not go to a top top school, but I will be able to get somewhere because of my drive. I don’t think that starting your own business (which is the only way you can truely make amazing money) requires a degree from HYPS.</p>
<p>Why is there always some thread like this? If you don’t want to go to a top school, then don’t go to one. If you don’t like this board, then don’t post on it. If you don’t want to be like the people on this board, then don’t be like them. Quite simple, no?</p>
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I know what you mean. It’s that simple.</p>
<p>^agreed .</p>
<p>I’m the OP. I didn’t mention “prestigious” colleges/universities. What I notice is the overall lack of joy in learning. I haven’t seen <em>any</em> posts about passion for a subject. I’m a Cal Berkeley graduate (undergrad and grad school). Since I was there (and I was an out of state applicant…) I’ve had the chance to take classes through so many other veunes and have been taught by some people who were FAR more accomplished and better at connecting and inspiring students than the professors I had at Cal. I was in a small liberal arts college at Cal so I can’t write this off as “big classes taught by TAs” complaint.</p>
<p>I’m wondering what percentage of board members are from the Northeast - where I’m originally from and where I live now. It seems our provincial little corner is the only place this kind of pedigree really matters…sigh.</p>
<p>Finally, what I’ve learned in my (now decades established) practice is that - and yes, this is anecdotal - the “right” college does nothing to create happiness or wealth. In fact, the most well adjusted kids and adults I’ve seen are the ones who know how to have a great time and whose <em>happiness is not tied to any particular outcome in life…</em></p>
<p>For me, the reason I’m so concerned with it is because I’m so frustrated with high school life. I’m hoping college will be an escape from the stupid people around me who can’t take the time to type the two extra letters in “you” instead of “u” and who don’t care about anything but letter jackets and who will go to prom with them. I do have a passion for learning, and I absolutely love having intelligent conversation with people about such things as the expansion of the universe. I want to be around people like me, and I want to leave my parents’ house. College is important to me because (I hope) it is a better environment suited to my happiness.</p>
<p>I know what you mean though. You shouldn’t look back on your life 60 years later and think, “I didn’t get into Harvard. My life is a failure.” You shouldn’t base your entire worth on what school you went to, and if you’re really a worthy person, you’ll be successful anyway.</p>