<p>“Getting elected president is a Big Deal. And making history by becoming the first African American elected president is an even bigger deal. Any school that had a hand in that achievement alone has reason to be proud. And it’s a much better reason for more kids to apply and more applicants to choose it than say having Doug Flutie throw a big touchdown pass on TV, which is what boosted Boston College’s popularity, or having your baskeball team make the final four, which is what boosted George Mason’s popularity back in 2006.” -coureur</p>
<p>So true. Georgetown wasn’t all that popular until Patrick Ewing played basketaball there and led the team to national fame. Notre Dame is a big name BECAUSE of the success of the football team in decades past. The Gipper and all that crap. It made non-football players want to go there, which helped raise the school’s selectivity through the roof. </p>
<p>To Ray192, #14: Who the hell gives a crap about Milton Friedman? It’s not “bragging rights.” It’s the “coolness” factor. Obama is cool. MIlton Friedman is not cool. I don’t think you understand young people.</p>