Marin Voice: Beyond the myths, stress of searching for the right college
When the school year begins, the college search heats up for many high school juniors, seniors and parents.
Times have changed since I, and probably many of you, went through this process. It’s now far more stressful. I felt some anxiety in choosing, but had no special interest in Ivy League schools, although my grades and SAT scores were good. Nor did I believe that my future graduate school admissions or employment prospects depended on attending one.
Later, teaching in a premier high school, my students also felt minimal pressure. The excellent counselor gave students maximum attention and helped match them with schools. She especially promoted small colleges with good reputations such as Denison University in Ohio, Grinnell College in Iowa and Southern California’s Pomona College, as well as others that students with less than outstanding grades could get into.
Today the process should be far less stressful than it often is. Parents and students should avoid buying into the myths about “best” colleges. Students don’t need to graduate from a prestigious college to get into a good law school, medical school, or graduate school. Without a degree from a prestigious university, you can still get a good paying job. Very good SAT scores and grades aren’t always critical in college admissions.
In fact, many colleges no longer prioritize SAT scores or have eliminated them totally.
The “prestige college” myth is major. I taught for many years in both the University of California and California State systems. UC schools almost always have higher prestige than state schools. Yet, as one among many examples, the broadcast and electronic communications arts program at San Francisco State easily rivals or surpasses similar programs offered at UCs in the estimation of professionals in those fields. Additionally, state universities have historically been considered one of the best in training teachers.
Another case in point is Jack Smith, the special counsel shaping the indictment of former President Donald Trump. He attended Harvard Law after graduating from State University of New York at Oneonta.
The most important variable in the college selection process should be matching the student’s intellectual, social and emotional needs with the college. For some, a small school is the best choice. For others a large university is the best match. Hopefully the school counselor can help identify schools that fit the student’s profile.
Another variable is the variety of programs offered by the college. High school seniors are often uncertain of their career paths. A university should introduce possibilities that they weren’t exposed to while in high school.
A very exciting course in English or psychology, for example, might lead to pursuing a career not previously considered. I recommend placing colleges with a wide variety of programs in the arts, sciences, business and technology high on the application list.
Additionally, the job market keeps changing, so having strengths in multiple subject areas is a good idea. More students today are choosing double majors. Computer science, writing skills and human relations skills are in high demand. Combining any of those with another subject area will likely increase a graduate’s job opportunities.
The quality of teaching should be a major consideration. I advise finding out how much quality teaching is prized in the school and is prioritized in the promotion process. High school counselors, parents and students would do well to examine the latest data on teaching quality in colleges.
When visiting colleges, spend time talking with undergraduates. If possible, check with someone from the student services office to find out about academic and, perhaps, mental health support in the college. Ask undergraduates what they think of the teaching quality and what pressures they experience in school, both social and academic. Get a feel for the quality of life in the school. Stress has been taking a huge toll on undergraduates in many colleges.
As you go through this process, avoid buying into the myths about colleges, be open to less highly advertised schools, and take some time to let each experience sink in. The process should be enjoyable, less stressful, and more likely to result in making the right choice. And parents, in the end, put some trust in the intuition of your young adult to make the best choice for them.