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[quote]
You wouldn't be making the better academic choice. If you hate a place it's going to influence your academics, I promise. Name recognition is not universally indicative of academic quality.
[/quote]
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<p>That is a good point, but not something I am refuting. If you choose to turn down Harvard, you are turning down a number of academic opportunities as well as the fact that it's <em>Harvard</em>, which will follow you everywhere you go. If you couldn't perform as well in that environment, obviously you will be better at a better fit school, but ideally one would be able to perform well at the best school they can attend; i.e. Harvard is the best academic choice in this situation.</p>
<p>This is why many people that may want to transfer out of Harvard (from what I've read in the Crimson) don't. They just can't turn it down, even if it isn't where they want/should be.</p>
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[quote]
Brilliance is by no means concentrated to the "top" five colleges in America.
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<p>Again, that is not a point I was trying to make. I agree with you there, certainly as I will not be attending a top 5 college and hope to succeed in life anyways.</p>