I wonder just what percentage of college applicants are really participating in the frenzy. We certainly didn’t. The focus was on match and affordability. I knew that if my son found a college we could afford and was a social and academic match the best outcome (graduate on time with manageable debt, a well rounded education, the life skills for success and be highly employable) would be if not a guarantee, then very likely. It’s not which college you attend, but what you make of it.
Ultimately, to be happy I feel that most need a since of purpose, be engaged in work aligned with that purpose, to have a feeling of belonging, to know that what we do matters, to have our good work recognized as such by others. This is quality of life. This is realistically achievable. It’s not where, but what you make of it.
A good employer can recognize a well prepared and qualified applicant, comfortable in their skin and sincere. I really don’t think the name of the college matters then … it wouldn’t to me.