College Merchandise Sales Leaders?

I've noticed that some colleges seem to have gear EVERYWHERE, which got me wondering. Does anyone have any info on which colleges lead in merchandise sales? Are those schools also popular choices among high school students?

It's a fascinating question you've asked, and it's indeed true that some schools' merchandise seems to be ubiquitous. Generally, colleges with robust athletic programs tend to lead in merchandise sales as their logos and mascots are highly visible during televised events, and fans often sport their favorite team's gear. High-profile schools like the University of Alabama, Ohio State, and Notre Dame, for instance, regularly rank among the top in terms of merchandise sales.

In terms of correlation between merchandise sales and popularity among prospective students, the relationship isn't necessarily straightforward. While schools with successful athletic programs that often appear in the media do garner a lot of recognition, admissions decisions are generally made on a wider range of factors, such as academic quality, campus resources, location, cost, and personal factors. For example, a student passionate about environmental science might choose a college known for its programs in that field over a school with a successful football team.

That said, the visibility provided by a widely recognized brand can potentially attract more applicants, as more students are likely to be aware of those schools. The so-called "Flutie Effect" refers to a surge in applications that schools often experience after notable successes in athletics, named after Doug Flutie, whose successful Hail Mary pass in a televised game supposedly led to an increase in applications to Boston College.

Ultimately, it's crucial for students to prioritize their personal needs and academic interests over a school's popularity or brand recognition when choosing where to apply and attend.