<p>I once believed prestige was everything when choosing a college, even if it put me 25k in debt. But in the current state of economic affairs, I can conclude that high school students and their families are beginning to look at the best offer they receive from a school regardless of the prestige it carries.</p>
<p>I chose Rutgers over many expensive LACs because of the debt I would have during the current economic state. Sure, I might have enjoyed a smaller environment, smaller classes, smaller parties where it is easier to get beer ;)... but I can sacrifice a little to save 10K a year. Plus, Rutgers does hold a reasonable reputation, am I right about that? </p>
<p>Nobody can afford college right now, and it is going to get much worse from what I have read. I am predicting drastic acceptance increases in the next five years, especially in the top 40 LACs. State Universities will see an increase in their applicants, and decrease in their acceptance. </p>
<p>Thoughts?</p>
<p>I’m actually writing an article on this for my high school newspaper. I’ll let you know after I’ve gotten more data.</p>
<p>But I can tell you that I go to a very good public school in suburbs of Chicago, and every year tons of kids from my school apply to UIUC. Usually the ones that are decently qualified enough are able to get in. This year, there were a lot more deferrals than usual for students at my school, even for kids with 31 ACTs. I can infer that this means either A) The economy is causing more kids to look towards in-state schools for their relatively low tuition costs, therefore UIUC received more applications than usual, resulting in a lower acceptance rate. Or B) UIUC is suffering its own financial issues and can’t accept as many kids, even with state funding. I am guessing that it is a combination of both of these factors, but I’ll let you know when I find out for sure.</p>
<p>I am trying to get an interview with a UIUC admissions officer. I’ll update when I have more info.</p>
<p>Jax,
good luck with the article, I will be delighted if you PM figures when you get them. I think many people are starting to realize this. I was in a poly sci class with a transfer from GW, I go to Rutgers. He just said he cant afford it anymore, and Rutgers is half the price and a similar rep.</p>
<p>I’d definitely agree. A lot of really qualified applicants are choosing public schools anyway now, especially in light of how few people actually get into Ivy Leagues. We should see a new emergence of leaders in the next 30 years who didn’t go to selective private colleges in order to avoid debt, and as a result, I think prestige will probably take a bit of hit.</p>
<p>Irish,
Thanks for the reply, and I can see that maybe more people agree with Jax and I then i previously have thought. Just out of curiosity, did you attend ND?</p>
<p>No, I’m just Irish. Not like, from Ireland, but red-headed. </p>
<p>And women love me, hence the thunder. Not really, but is a funny name.</p>
<p>I completely agree that prestige plays too important a factor, and I’ll admit that I was caught up in it at some point. If you guys want to comment on how much prestige matters, check out…</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/630488-people-get-too-worked-up-over-name.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/630488-people-get-too-worked-up-over-name.html</a></p>
<p>Haha, nice nice. I checked out that thread a few moments ago, I am about to comment on it. Thanks.</p>