<p>this post would be inspiration if i didnt see posts exactly like it everyday. i get it, where you go doesnt matter. but you are more likely to be surrounded by intelligent people, and the resources are excellent. so maybe some people are going for the experience and not because they think it will automatically get them their dream job. i'm just sick of these posts that are supposed to inspire me, it's trying too hard. Eh...someone can like...yell at me now or something.</p>
<p>You make many good points here, and I agree with most. However, as a parent, I do have to disagree with the "don't listen to your parents" suggestion. Many of us do actually have some useful information to impart, and do, sometimes, know what we are talking about. Don't just humor us. We are writing large checks, for you, and most of us really want the best for our kids. As you wisely pointed out, this is one of the first big decisions of your life. Gather as much information as you can (including input from your parents) in order to make it. We have made several large life decisions and can offer suggestions to aid in the process. You are here sharing the wisdom/experience that you have learned/gained in the one year you have completed in college. Your perspective is helpful to those younger than you. Parents perspectives can be helpful too. Not all of us will go running into our kids' rooms waving this yr's copy of USNews (and why'd your parent purchase it-- do you have a younger sibling coming down the pike into this process?). You might want to encourage you parent to chill a little. A pouint or two in these silly rankings is, as we all know, pretty meaningless.</p>
<p>good post jason. this guy knows what he's talking about and for most of you who've actually been in college, i think you'll agree with his position.</p>
<p>I agree with this much of it, but I don’t think it’s a new or revolutionary concept. All he is saying is choose the school that is best for you. That’s a wonderful idealism and all, but not always how the real world plays out- which is of course why he wrote this in the first place!</p>
<p>A student's ambition is inside him/her, not in a school. Thus, no matter where someone ends up, success is determined by the extent and willingness to succeed. History has proven this.</p>
<p>Unless you want to be the President of the United States…. :)</p>
<p>I used to say I want to go to an Ivy, maybe Stanford or Berkeley... But I opened my eyes and realized how Much i Donn't want to live on the east coast, and I've lived up North (ca). I want to stay in Southern California and have my heart set on USC or UCLA. Sure, I'll apply to Stanford, Penn, and MAYBE berkeley, but if I were to get into all those schools, I think I would be much happier in southern California. </p>
<p>I don't care abuot the name on my Undergraduate diploma or any of that. I want to be HAPPY at my school in an environment I like.</p>
<p>I laugh seeing friends Cringe when they have a B+/A- right before a big math final, because "But Mrs. ______, if you give me a B I wont go to Princeton, and if i don't go to princeton my mom will be mad at me" and whatnot...</p>
<p>I've told friends to "settle" for UCLA, because they are KILLING themselves in hopes of getting into BA/MD programs like those at UCSD.</p>
<p>I think it is a great post (only because it confirms my belief that where I will be happiest is where I should go ;) )</p>
<p>I finally almost yelled at my mom to get over the whole ranking thing at my school, and my chances at ghetting into a super elite school. I told her I am dropping AP Bio and AP stats, along with ONE of my TWO classes at a community college, to take AP Physics and AP chem and only one JC class... She was like! But is that going to hurt you went a school looks at your strength of schedule? Will you drop your rank.
I said "look, get over it. This is what I wnat to do because they are classes that I want to take with teachers that I LIKE. I want to do what I will be more happy so just let it go and let me do what I feel is necessary, what pleases me, and what doesn't kill me." (5 honors classes and 2 at a JC is too much... for me at least)</p>
<p>applauds to the OP</p>
<p>confusedstudent you rocks!!!!!Tou said it all!!!</p>