I would much rather have a student go into some debt and actually USE their education for the rest of their life then to go to a cheap school for a useless degree
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
How does one choose between colleges?
- Thread starter TSE
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I would much rather have a student go into some debt and actually USE their education for the rest of their life then to go to a cheap school for a useless degree
....
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, check out the caliber of the persons of the gender you are into on campus. Having attended all private schools in Southern California, I'm pretty used to having a lot of "hotties" on campus - it is definitely a plus.
Better, eh?
That's a pretty huge generalization based on your personal experiences. I'm not sure what university you attended, but I attended a academic-heavy school, and there were plenty of people that had very active social lives (including myself). And guess what? I have multiple degrees. And I enjoyed (almost) every minute of getting them.
College, like anything, else is a balance. It's the first opportunity many of us have to live in the "real world" without having someone looking over our shoulders making sure our homework is done. We have to sink or swim on our own. Learn how to juggle the academic deadlines and social lives and athletics (in my case as well) and everything else that is presented to us in college. Kind of like life. I take my career very seriously, but I don't let it rule my life...nor would I let it hinder my social life.
And what good is a stacked transcript/resume when you don't have anything else to go along with it? A resume can get you in the door, but companies don't hire pieces of paper..they hire well rounded individuals. And you know what else gets you in the door? Your ability to socialize and network...How many of us have used our teammates, or fraternity, or sorority to make a contact, or get an in somewhere, or help close a deal?
Maybe I'm generalizing according to my personal experiences as well. But man, I just want everyone to enjoy school as much as I did.
Keys being some debt and a useful degree. There are few reasons to encourage someone to finance a $160,000 undergraduate liberal arts degree (I wouldn't have spent that on my undergraduate degree and it practically came prepackaged with a $55k starting salary). I am all for the liberal arts and went to a private liberal arts undergraduate school (though I studied accounting), but let's face the reality, you can graduate from a state school with far less debt and a degree that is just as useful. We should strongly encourage more students to make use of community and junior colleges before moving on the a regular college instead of telling them that it is ok to borrow large amounts of money that don't correspond at all to the the financial (and in many cases, critical thinking) benefits they'll get from the degree they choose to earn. Student loans don't just go away - in most cases, they are not dischargeable in bankruptcy - you pay those things for life if you have to. The return on a significant amount of debt should definitely be considered - I'm not saying don't take out a reasonable amount to go to a good school or a school that is a good fit, but strongly and realistically consider what you can afford. We definitely shouldn't be encouraging an English major with a $35k starting salary to take on $80k in student loan debt; that is absolutely irresponsible.
Also, just because a school is cheap doesn't mean you're getting a useless degree or a poor education. You can go to a Cal State school out here for less than $10k a year in tuition and end up with an excellent education and a very useful degree. Would I rather go to the private schools I've attended? Yeah, but if I didn't have scholarships and didn't study in a field where jobs are fairly abundant (and pay is decent), I certainly would have gone to less expensive (and nearly as good) options.
Better, eh?
Quite. Sometimes I just get so caught up in thinking about the ladies I love so dearly that I forgot some of our members feel the same way about the guys.
Last edited:
Networking is extremely important for your career. Many of the connections I've made and bonds I've formed with people who will likely be able to help me in my career (and I likewise for them) have been formed over more than a few beers at a restaurant or college party. I'm a pretty career driven guy, but to be honest, after you lineup your first job, most employers could give a rats ass about your grades.
I don't find that to be true. I have more of a social life at my top ranked graduate school than I ever did at my less academically recognized undergrad. My graduate program is significantly more intensive and difficult than my undergraduate program as well. A healthy social life and good grades certainly aren't mutually exclusive.
Absolutely agree, but college isn't all about going to class and getting a 4.0. It is an experience that should have a balance of making sure you do well in your classes and engaging in a moderate social life. If I could go back and do undergrad again, I would worry a hell of a lot less about my grades, because they really aren't that important - I would have ended up at the same grad school and same job with a 3.7 GPA as I did with my 3.94 GPA. In grad school I've taken the approach that it is more about learning than about getting all A's - I've learned more and had a hell of of a lot more fun doing it.
As for how you should choose a school - visit campus and see where you feel the most comfortable. You're going to be living there for four years, you'd better like the city and the campus. Talk to as many students as you can and see what they say about the school. See how involved career services is in helping you find a job - let's not forget that, unless your parents are paying for your education, you're probably going to be paying loans when you graduate; a good career services would be helpful in helping you find a job to make those payments. Look at the cost and scholarships available - in general, I personally wouldn't recommend getting into severe debt, especially for most bachelor's degrees.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, check out the caliber of ladies on campus. Having attended all private schools in Southern California, I'm pretty used to having a lot of "hotties" on campus - it is definitely a plus.
Networking is extremely important, but it is easy to get networking and partying confused at the age of a high school senior...at least it was for me and many people I know. I am not saying do not have fun, but I am saying that academics and work comes before fun. If you don't have the grades, you can fail out of or not graduate school. If you don't have the money, you can't afford tuition. As far as grades, many employers are now asking for official transcript copies in the public level, and to my understanding, some private level employers are too.
I guess we disagree about the level of graduate or undergraduate course work...and honestly that probably varies from one person to another despite them making the same outcomes.
A 3.7 is a great GPA and is worth it versus a 4.0 if you can do more and learn more...but initially, you need to hit the ground running. For most people, the transition of HS to college is a shock, as is the additional freedom. Am I too on the protective side? Absolutely, but this is my opinion as the OP asked for opinions.
And as far as having good looking women on campus...well I can't disagree with that whatsoever.
Much of it is my opinion based on my own experiences. Sounds like you had a better social life than I did and I am glad for you. I enjoyed school, but I had less of a social life between 18-21 credit loads and working full time to pay bills (which I should add did NOT include college loans ). Some people were able to work full time, take the same credit loads, and party like crazy...with that said, most people are not.
I have to disagree as far as college being anything like the real world. If you screw up in college, you often get huge breaks. If you do some of the things in the real world that I have seen people do in college a get 'academic probation' they would go to jail. Is it more like the real world than high school? Absolutely, for most. The exception to that rule are people who have been operating as adults since their early teens...not many exist but I have studied them somewhat and they are generally women who have had children at a very early age and have no real 'supports'. Some of these people do go to college and that level of responsibility is something most of us cannot imagine at that age.
Transcripts are pieces of paper, but they are pieces of paper which show that your applicant is a well rounded person. I may not socialize as well as you do, but I socialize and network pretty well, and I am pretty happy with where I am at professionally, and while my social life is currently limited to one or two days a week, I still enjoy it. I am on the more academic side and nothing is wrong with having a good time. Once again, 'having a good time' can mean a very different thing to us than someone in 12th grade. I say put business ahead of fun but if you can, have fun too. Learn to enjoy fun in moderation but above all have fun with a sense of responsibility. Look at all of the cases of alcohol-related deaths that occur in college aged people. Drink and have a good time is very different than binge drinking, and many people when first exposed to alcohol seem to not see a difference. I could be wrong as I am just 1 person, but my 2 cents for the OP. Realistically, you could say that no two college experiences are the same and I would agree.
Almost all States have great schools, which allow instate tuition. Some people want to go different places, but as you said that will rack up a nice bill. Community colleges are great to cut two to three years of high-azz bills. My best friend went to CCBC for a few years before getting his BS and later MBA. The education quality of community colleges, at least around here, is great and the price is even greater.
With this point in time economically, I agree that major IS important. For years the idea was 'as long as you have a degree you are golden' somewhat held up, but not now. Especially not now with 1/4 of the population having a BA/BS. Employers can be more choosy than ever before and having 'relevant' coursework can be very, very important. Keeping in mind what jobs you will actually be able to get upon graduation is important.
). Some people were able to work full time, take the same credit loads, and party like crazy...with that said, most people are not.I have to disagree as far as college being anything like the real world. If you screw up in college, you often get huge breaks. If you do some of the things in the real world that I have seen people do in college a get 'academic probation' they would go to jail. Is it more like the real world than high school? Absolutely, for most. The exception to that rule are people who have been operating as adults since their early teens...not many exist but I have studied them somewhat and they are generally women who have had children at a very early age and have no real 'supports'. Some of these people do go to college and that level of responsibility is something most of us cannot imagine at that age.
Transcripts are pieces of paper, but they are pieces of paper which show that your applicant is a well rounded person. I may not socialize as well as you do, but I socialize and network pretty well, and I am pretty happy with where I am at professionally, and while my social life is currently limited to one or two days a week, I still enjoy it. I am on the more academic side and nothing is wrong with having a good time. Once again, 'having a good time' can mean a very different thing to us than someone in 12th grade. I say put business ahead of fun but if you can, have fun too. Learn to enjoy fun in moderation but above all have fun with a sense of responsibility. Look at all of the cases of alcohol-related deaths that occur in college aged people. Drink and have a good time is very different than binge drinking, and many people when first exposed to alcohol seem to not see a difference. I could be wrong as I am just 1 person, but my 2 cents for the OP. Realistically, you could say that no two college experiences are the same and I would agree.
That's a pretty huge generalization based on your personal experiences. I'm not sure what university you attended, but I attended a academic-heavy school, and there were plenty of people that had very active social lives (including myself). And guess what? I have multiple degrees. And I enjoyed (almost) every minute of getting them.
College, like anything, else is a balance. It's the first opportunity many of us have to live in the "real world" without having someone looking over our shoulders making sure our homework is done. We have to sink or swim on our own. Learn how to juggle the academic deadlines and social lives and athletics (in my case as well) and everything else that is presented to us in college. Kind of like life. I take my career very seriously, but I don't let it rule my life...nor would I let it hinder my social life.
And what good is a stacked transcript/resume when you don't have anything else to go along with it? A resume can get you in the door, but companies don't hire pieces of paper..they hire well rounded individuals. And you know what else gets you in the door? Your ability to socialize and network...How many of us have used our teammates, or fraternity, or sorority to make a contact, or get an in somewhere, or help close a deal?
Maybe I'm generalizing according to my personal experiences as well. But man, I just want everyone to enjoy school as much as I did.
Almost all States have great schools, which allow instate tuition. Some people want to go different places, but as you said that will rack up a nice bill. Community colleges are great to cut two to three years of high-azz bills. My best friend went to CCBC for a few years before getting his BS and later MBA. The education quality of community colleges, at least around here, is great and the price is even greater.
With this point in time economically, I agree that major IS important. For years the idea was 'as long as you have a degree you are golden' somewhat held up, but not now. Especially not now with 1/4 of the population having a BA/BS. Employers can be more choosy than ever before and having 'relevant' coursework can be very, very important. Keeping in mind what jobs you will actually be able to get upon graduation is important.
Last edited:
A few thoughts to consider:
If you really want to go to an out of state school, work there for a year after graduation taking classes part time - in some states if you work and live there for a year without being a full time student, you can become a resident and then get instate tuition. Depending on how large of a difference or how set on a particular path you are this might be quite useful and financially a GREAT option.
Secondly, it might be good to go to a community college for some of the general education classes first. This will be significantly cheaper and also give you some insight into what you want to do with life - all being less expensive than pretty much any school. Just make sure you check to see if the classes will transfer to whatever 4-year school you want to do.
Third, do not pay a huge amount per year if you have no idea what you want to do. Paying $30,000 a year is fine if you know what you are intending on doing after graduation (hint: most people do not and/or change their mind). Pay yourself $15,000 a year by going to a community college or cheaper school, and then, if you find after a year or two you still want to go that route, transfer - but avoid going to an expensive school with no idea what you are doing there other than getting a piece of paper because that is what you are supposed to do after high school.
If you really want to go to an out of state school, work there for a year after graduation taking classes part time - in some states if you work and live there for a year without being a full time student, you can become a resident and then get instate tuition. Depending on how large of a difference or how set on a particular path you are this might be quite useful and financially a GREAT option.
Secondly, it might be good to go to a community college for some of the general education classes first. This will be significantly cheaper and also give you some insight into what you want to do with life - all being less expensive than pretty much any school. Just make sure you check to see if the classes will transfer to whatever 4-year school you want to do.
Third, do not pay a huge amount per year if you have no idea what you want to do. Paying $30,000 a year is fine if you know what you are intending on doing after graduation (hint: most people do not and/or change their mind). Pay yourself $15,000 a year by going to a community college or cheaper school, and then, if you find after a year or two you still want to go that route, transfer - but avoid going to an expensive school with no idea what you are doing there other than getting a piece of paper because that is what you are supposed to do after high school.
hey i was searching www.liberalartscolleges.org.... and i am sure u will get all ur information through this...
For me, this was my case. I agree with your post.
Being young and without discipline, when I went to a school that had a mix of studying and partying, my grades were satisfactory. When I transferred to a full on party school, my grades sucked. When I finished up at a very rigorous school which had the reputation for no social life and huge homework assignments (one enterprising student created a sports franchise which thrives today based on a homework assignment), I did quite well. Often we act in a way similar to our peers in class. While I may not have liked the endless homework and reading, I just did what everybody else did and developed exceptional study habits.
I partied a lot in high school...well as hard as you can party as a teen but you get the point. I initially hated being at an all academics college with not much partying and hard courseloads. Over time though, I really got to enjoy it, and I decided to go back for more, and then for more after that, and one final more for good luck. I think that many people are capable of enjoying academics, and it can be quite fun. Obviously, much of this depends on your passions, interests, professors, field, etc., but it can be a lot of fun. I LOVE my field which is gerontology and to this day I am still active within the Gero academic community. Not everyone enjoys school but I think most people can.
A professor, just one, can transform one's life. I would not recommend my school to others, mostly because if they are to work that hard, I would send them east or to Cambridge/Oxford.
While college name isn't everything, or lower cost, sometimes I had wished I had gone for a bigger name if I was to work that hard. Some schools work very hard yet never will get the reputation for that. Believe it or not, the US Air Force Academy students spend more hours in the library (according to Princeton Review) from a student poll from top colleges. However, if you went to Harvard or Yale, that carries far more water in most circles. I also had a few friends go to Embry Riddle, one of those big homework schools, but they don't have the recognition or reputation of Cal Tech or MIT. That being said, if you do AF academy or Embry Riddle, you will have to suffer in silence and people won't go up to you and say, "You must be smart!". Harvard and Yale get that, or did, until a certain ex-president graduated from both.
Last edited:
A professor, just one, can transform one's life. I would not recommend my school to others, mostly because if they are to work that hard, I would send them east or to Cambridge/Oxford.
While college name isn't everything, or lower cost, sometimes I had wished I had gone for a bigger name if I was to work that hard. Some schools work very hard yet never will get the reputation for that. Believe it or not, the US Air Force Academy students spend more hours in the library (according to Princeton Review) from a student poll from top colleges. However, if you went to Harvard or Yale, that carries far more water in most circles. I also had a few friends go to Embry Riddle, one of those big homework schools, but they don't have the recognition or reputation of Cal Tech or MIT. That being said, if you do AF academy or Embry Riddle, you will have to suffer in silence and people won't go up to you and say, "You must be smart!". Harvard and Yale get that, or did, until a certain ex-president graduated from both.
One of my best friends was in the US AFA and he worked his ass off like crazy (2007 grad)...and another went to Embry Riddle oddly enough. I guess I just hang out a lot with the 'plane' guys
I don't think he is advocating a degree in a useless degree just because it costs less. It's not like the degree from the cheaper university can't be used. Point is, a degree in sociology from university A might cost 80,000$ and 15,000$ from university B. ROI is important, especially if you are choosing a degree in a lower paying field. If you are going to start at a job at 35,000$ from either university A or B, save the money and go to B. Of course, this is completely subjective to the degree and education level desired. A MBA from a low ranked school won't place as well as a degree from the top 10, and the pay won't start as high as a rule.
One of my best friends was in the US AFA and he worked his ass off like crazy (2007 grad)...and another went to Embry Riddle oddly enough. I guess I just hang out a lot with the 'plane' guys
What I like about my friends who go to these schools (including relative) is that they are not stuck up like some other alums/students from far more well known schools (many of them back east, and a couple in midwest and west) who had to also study very hard. Some schools build presidents and those schools have the deep networks that will keep on giving us leaders, but those other schools I mentioned will have their students work just as hard to be just as honorable and valuable to society but be aircraft engineers and the top airline pilots. The best military officer I ever met didn't go to any fancy college and he never had the money to go to Harvard MBA school, though he had the grades, and he realized that unless he had money or some powerful political connections, there was no way all his As and high GMATs would mean anything, and he would be just another smart, broke person who Harvard turned away. Traditonally, one third of the students who go to top B-schools don't have the money or connections, but with tens of thousands of kids with the great scores and references, but not the money, it's easier to win in lotto.
He was one of the fastest advancers in naval aviation and went from Lt. Commander to Captain very quickly, but noted if you were politically connected you could be an AWOL pilot and still go very, very far including a top MBA school.
(in the connected, AWOL pilot's case - Harvard MBA and Commander in Chief).
Alright. An update.
The choice is between University of Cincinnati and University of Houston. I got accepted for Industrial Design for University of Houston, but not Cincinnati, I got the general design college program, and they said I actually have a worse chance of getting into the Industrial Design program if I start in the general design program versus a high school student.
So.... Should I just go to Houston, or test my luck and try to reapply to Industrial Design in Cincinnati later?
Has anyone here ever gone to University of Houston/checked it out?
The choice is between University of Cincinnati and University of Houston. I got accepted for Industrial Design for University of Houston, but not Cincinnati, I got the general design college program, and they said I actually have a worse chance of getting into the Industrial Design program if I start in the general design program versus a high school student.
So.... Should I just go to Houston, or test my luck and try to reapply to Industrial Design in Cincinnati later?
Has anyone here ever gone to University of Houston/checked it out?
