10 Best Academic Colleges In The Country
College is all about getting an education. Actually, college is a multifaceted experience but getting an education is the main goal. Of course, what type of an education you get depends on which college you go to. Some colleges have better programs than others. Here are the 10 best academic colleges in the country and why you want to try to get into the best school that you can.
Why Does The College You Go To Matter?
The college that you attend matters because all colleges are different. Some set the highest academic standards around while others are more suited to those with less lofty aspirations. Also, even within the same college the quality of programs can vary from one to the next. One program may be the best around while another may be only mediocre.
Then there is a college’s reputation to consider. This shouldn’t have much of an effect once you enter the real world but it does. Most people, and employers especially, are impressed by an ivy league education. There’s a certain cache that comes along with receiving an education from a school known for its challenging coursework and unflinching standards. If the college that a person attended is one of the best then you know that person is probably one of the best too.
Do You Have To Go To The Best College To Succeed?
You do not have to go to an ivy league school to have a successful career or a fulfilling life. Only so many students can attend these schools, the best of the best. There are many other schools that hold their students to high standards that do not have the instantly recognizable names of those schools that make it to the list of the top 10.
That being said, you do want to aim for the best school and best program that you can. Many schools are of comparable quality so you will still have choices but your time in college is preparing you for your future. You want not only the reputation but also the education that will allow you to step into your post-college life as easily as possible.
The Pressures Of Being The Best
Going to the best colleges is not all about prestige. When you bring together a bunch of top students then some who were formerly top students have to be the ones struggling to learn. These schools feature courses that challenge even the most gifted minds. Going from being the best student in every class to being mediocre can be a blow to a student’s self image. Know this going in.
The 10 Best Academic Colleges In The Country
1. Harvard University
2. Princeton University
3. Yale University
4. University of Pennsylvania
5. California Institute of Technology
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
7. University of Chicago
8. Duke University
9. University of California (Berkeley)
10. Columbia University
Some students thrive on pressure. It builds character. Just know that going to one of the best schools is not all about showing how smart you are. It is a humbling experience that shows you how much there is for you to learn while preparing you for your future.
Thomas Rheinecker writes about schools with the best online university rankings.