parents, plz help me.

Parents Forum
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<p>"is it really possible for someone to go to a mediocre college and still be successful?"</p>

<p>What do you consider "successful?" I personally think people are successful if they live happy, fulfilling lives that allow them to make a positive contribution to the world. Such a definition of success doesn't depend on education.</p>

<p>If your definition means making a lot of money or being well known or heading a corporation, most people who have those things did not go to a top college. </p>

<p>In the recent elections, I was interested to see that many of the candidates in mylarge state got their start in community college then went to a mediocre in-state public then went to a public law school in our state. Only one of the schools in my state is in the U.S. News top 50. Yet, people from my state are well respected.</p>

<p>I have been in two citywide leadership programs sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. One was in Detroit, the other is in the city where I now live. The leadership programs are highly competitive and are for local people who are regarded as leaders. My classmates including several bank vice presidents, lawyers from one of the state's top law firms, successful business owners, a nonprofit director, a hospital VP, and a doctor. Yet again, many of these successful people had started at community colleges. Most attended public universities in our state. I am the only Ivy grad, and actually, I make less money than do most of the people in the program.</p>

<p>Anyway, just take the time to look up the educational background of people whom you admire. </p>

<p>Condi Rice got her undergraduate degree from University of Denver, then went to Notre Dame for her masters and back to the University of Denver for her doctorate.</p>

<p>Dick Cheney has his bachelors and masters from University of Wyoming.</p>

<p>Colin Powell -- BA City College of NY, MBA, George washington.</p>

<p>Kenneth Lewis, CEO, Bank of America -- Georgia State, BA</p>

<p>Paul O'Neill, secretary of the treasury, former CEO of Alcoa, BA Fresno State, MA Indiana University</p>

<p>Anyway, if you do your own Internet search, you'll find that the overwhelming majority of people whom you probably regard as successful went to colleges that many people would consider mediocre, and that are ranked far below the colleges that your stats would gain your entrance to.</p>

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<p>I have constantly been fascinated by exactly the type of stats that NSM offers. It is amazing how many movers and shakers in this country went to less than stellar schools, ones that most people on CC would scoff at.</p>

<p>I admit to my own snobbery, having gone to good schools myself, and hoping for the same for my kids. But I realize it is mainly snobbery, because one doesn't need a "name" school, either to be successful, or more importantly, to be happy.</p>

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<p>Colin Powell chose to send his three kids to the College of William and Mary. Certainly not a mediocre or lesser known school but a state school over a private school. And, he paid out of state tuition for all three!</p>