<p>I just read another Chance Me type thread, where the OP was going to apply to several 'big name', 'prestigious' universities (G-Town, Tufts, etc.) Naturally, some poster came along with the inevitable "don't just apply to big name schools, go where you'll be happy!" post.</p>
<p>My question is...</p>
<p>Why?</p>
<p>Why do people automatically assume that others are applying to schools just because of prestige, and - just as importantly - even if they are, why is it a poster's duty to tell them not to? Last time I checked, a Chance Me thread isn't supposed to invite people to tell you where and where not to apply, it's just to seek out an objective opinion on one's chances. I don't want to sound rude, but it seems like people are trying to discourage others from applying to schools like HYPS and the Ivies and such simply to increase their own chances of getting in (however insignificant that increase may be), or to make themselves feel better that they didn't get into those big name schools. No there is nothing wrong with going to a college that isn't necessarily as prestigious as those aforementioned, and yes, I'm sure some posters will post caveats honestly as honest advice. However, the number of such statements is so prolific that I'm forced to think that such actions are almost pathetic. If you don't have anything positive or constructive, why not just leave the OP alone, for goodness's sake.</p>
<p>I get what you're saying and agree with you partly. But sometimes, when the stats don't match the schools they are applying to, I don't think CCers discourage them because
[quote]
simply to increase their own chances of getting in (however insignificant that increase may be), or to make themselves feel better that they didn't get into those big name schools.
[/quote]
but rather, they are giving them a little reality check. I feel it is constructive criticism, and opens the OP eyes to more colleges that they've never heard of. Most of the people in the Chance Me thread are new to CC, and don't know "everything" that we know.</p>
<p>But yeah, when a person has good stats, sometimes posters can get sarcastic. But its usually that the person thinks they are not "good enough." So they are just trying to bring the OP down to earth.</p>
<p>I agree with you to an extent, but when someone is going out of their way to 'chance' you, they have a right to offer some additional suggestions. That said, I do tire of seeing "don't apply to big name schools, apply to the schools that fit you best". It's worth pointing out to someone if a certain school is significantly different from the type they've specified, but in most cases, the advice isn't necessary. Some people apply to schools just for the big name -- that's their prerogative, that's what's important to them, and they're asking for chances, not some kind of morality lesson.</p>
<p>IMO, the two categories -- prestigious schools and fitting schools -- are NOT mutually exclusive. There are kids who apply to HYPS for the "wrong" reasons, but there are just as many who have researched the schools and could truly see themselves there for reasons other than the simple prestige. Who are we to assume we know which category the poster falls into?</p>
<p>I see ur guys' point, and I agree to an extent - if you ask someone to chance you, you should expect criticism I guess. This hasn't happened to me specifically, but I see it all the time and like highopes put so perfectly - big name schools and match schools aren't mutually exclusive.</p>