<p>I want to go to college to learn. I have a loose plan for a job but considering that it is subject to change and I intend to take a variety of courses outside of that area, I’m not really going for specific career-training. Career-training can be a by-product of education.</p>
<p>I do want to be “successful” in the career I choose, but I define success as happiness, not by material wealth or power.</p>
<p>Ironically, I do somewhat agree with OP in the respect that partying is a little too prevalent at some schools, but I don’t think that “top schools” are the area for concern. Are all students at top schools ideally motivated and interested in learning? Definitely not, but at least they aren’t looking for a 4-year vacation. Someone I know who went to a state public non-flagship said to me, “It’s easier than high school. I don’t really do anything other than party.”</p>