<p>Is it better to be a top student at an average university or an average student at a top university?</p>
<p>I think the studies have shown that, all else being equal (same major), the difference in long-term success is negligible. Admit rates have gotten so low that many excellent students are going to “second rate” colleges and thriving there. Employers and grad schools are also impressed by average students at top schools though, since the work tends to be harder. It kind of cancels out, with one exception. </p>
<p>Students from low SES backgrounds often show a huge gain by graduating from top schools, because not only is it often far cheaper (grant $), but it opens doors to resources that just aren’t realistic otherwise. Their network greatly expands compared to if they had gone to an average college, and even more so if comparing to a community or commuter.</p>
<p>Yeah, so go where you’d be the happiest. Money shouldn’t be too big of an issue if it is affordable to your family with good financial aid / merit scholarships and you do not have to take out any loans. Just don’t get into debt. Go where you think you’d have the most opportunities as well and where you’d like to be for the next four years. Putting the tier of the school aside, it’s where you will make the most of wherever you go that counts</p>
<p>It’s better to be a top student at a top university.</p>
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<p>quite difficult to do</p>