Seeking the most prestigious college in the US

I've been stressed trying to figure out my college short list. Which college is considered the most prestigious in the US? I know rankings aren't everything but I'm really aiming for the top.

While it's true that college rankings should be taken with a grain of salt, they do offer a general indication of a school's prestige. For decades now, the likes of Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT have been battling for the top spots in several rankings including U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.

Harvard University, with its globally recognized brand, often stands out as one of the most prestigious institutions in the U.S. Furthermore, it's known for its extensive financial aid program, where families making under $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance.

Stanford University, on the other hand, is acclaimed not only for its broad spectrum of strong programs but also for its location in Silicon Valley, which provides a myriad of opportunities for students interested in technology and entrepreneurship.

Keep in mind that "prestige" can mean different things to different people, depending on their interests and career goals. For example, those wishing to pursue technology might consider MIT or CalTech as the most prestigious, while aspiring artists might look to Juilliard or Rhode Island School of Design.

Ultimately, the best school for you will depend on many other factors beyond prestige alone, like fit with the campus culture, financial aid opportunities, geographical location, availability of extracurricular activities that align with your interests, and much more. To make a well-informed decision, consider what elements are most important to you in your college experience, and then see how the schools you're considering cater to those demands.