No matter your perspective on the American education system, you’d be crazy to say that there is not an exorbitant amount of pressure on today’s young people to make critical decisions about the rest of their lives—most of the time even before they turn 18. As educational stigmas infest high schoolers’ minds, it’s easy to become attached to the big names instead of a university that may be best suited for them. Schools like Harvard, Stanford and NYU not only present themselves as places with higher educational standards, but they fulfill the validation needs of young, impressionable people.
Every morning at 7:30 when I reach into my drawer to grab a hoodie to wear to school, I’m faced with a difficult question- is it a Michigan or Duke kind of day? Now, while there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a couple of sweatshirts from the schools I’ve toured over the past few years, there is something to be said about my mindset approaching the application process next fall. Even with the surplus of information available to students (myself included) online about specific programs, student activities, traditions etc., it’s almost impossible not to get caught up in big-name institutions. Places like Michigan and Duke have the luxury of falling back onto reputation, racking in record-breaking applicant pools every single year.
According to Duke University, the 2022 admissions cycle had a total number of 50,008 applicants from all 50 states and dozens of countries from around the world. Of those 50,008 students, only 3,151 were accepted—a mind boggling statistic like this one gives more perspective to the outrageous cliche that is 21st century college admissions. Furthermore, the narrative of getting into so-called “reach schools” has become a central focus for students, and accomplishing such a feat is the only way to become successful.
When one of the most prominent advantages of attending a university is having the opportunity to explore, it’s no wonder why all schools are looking to broaden their international reach. Whether they are looking to expand their study abroad programs or increasing the number of enrolling international students, there are certainly benefits to already being known around the world. New York University (NYU) being located in one of the most renowned cities in the world has allowed for a record breaking number of international applicants to submit to their undergraduate colleges.
“For me it was super important that the schools I applied to have study abroad programs and opportunities for me to travel while getting my education,” Adriana Odell (’24) said. “Specifically I was drawn to Florida State University. Their first-year abroad program which would award me with in-state tuition for the rest of my years there if I got in.”
It’s so easy to fall in love with one of these big name schools because their ability to market themselves is extraordinarily effective. They can invest millions of dollars in recruiting campaigns, flashy pre-college summer programs and send representatives across the country to speak directly to students. The money poured into these institutions crowds out many of the smaller or lesser known state schools that provide the same intimate experience for their students. This dangerous reality employs a disadvantageous mindset in students and promotes high school seniors to buy into the fabricated simulation of college acceptances.
