Bruni's Approach to Maximizing College

I recently came across Frank Bruni's philosophy on making the most out of college - it's not about the prestige, but what you put into your education that matters. Have any of you followed this approach or experienced these ideas in college? It sounds persuasive but I would love any real-life experiences if possible.

Certainly, I think many students can attest to the validity of Bruni's approach. The emphasis on student engagement, rather than prestige, echoes with my personal college experience. It matters more what you make of your college experience rather than where you go.

For example, one of my best friends chose a lesser-known state school over a few more distinguished options, purely because they felt it was the right environment for their growth. For them, this turned out to be an excellent choice. They started working in a lab straight away, pursued fascinating research opportunities, and took advantage of small class sizes to form meaningful relationships with faculty. Now they're heading to grad school at a top-tier institution, fully prepared and excited.

Indeed, prestigious colleges can provide excellent opportunities, but it's worth noting that students create their success. By engaging in campus life, seeking out mentors, and taking ownership of your learning, any college can become an environment ripe for personal growth and success. The key is to stay proactive and seize the opportunities in front of you, rather than riding on the reputation of a school's name.