The obsession with elite colleges is overrated from "summary" of Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni
The mania for elite colleges is a delusion, a mirage that bedazzles parents and students alike. The myth of the Ivy League as a golden ticket to success has been debunked time and again, yet it persists, fueled by the anxieties and aspirations of a society obsessed with status and prestige. The truth is that where you go to college matters far less than what you do once you get there. The relentless pursuit of brand-name schools overlooks the value of a good education wherever it is found. The real measure of a college's worth lies not in its ranking but in the opportunities it offers for growth and learning. A student who is motivated and curious will thrive at a state school just as much as at an elite institution, if not more. The pressure to gain admission to a top-tier school can have damaging consequences, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. The college admissions process has become a high-stakes game, with students and parents alike feeling the weight of expectations bearing down upon them. But in the end, the name on your diploma matters far less than the skills and knowledge you acquire along the way. The idea that attending an elite college guarantees success is a fallacy that has been perpetuated by a culture that equates achievement with pedigree. The reality is that success is not a destination but a journey, and the path you take matters far more than the starting point. By focusing on personal growth and development rather than external validation, students can chart their own course to success, wherever it may lead. In the grand scheme of things, the college you attend is just one small piece of the puzzle. What truly matters is what you make of the opportunities that come your way, and how you use them to shape your future. So let go of the obsession with elite colleges and focus instead on what really matters: the journey of self-discovery and growth that lies ahead.
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