Prestige of colleges: how important is it?

I'm sort of stuck in the conundrum where I'm deciding between the 'most famous' college I got accepted to and another that I feel is the right fit for me. How much does the prestige of a college count in the real world? Does 'fame' really affect future prospects?

The prestige of a college can certainly have some impact after graduation but it isn't the be-all and end-all determinant of your success in life or career. It depends largely on your field of study and career goals. For instance, some fields like finance or consulting often value the prestige of a school more than others. However, most industries value your skills and experience over the name of your school.

It's also important to consider that what you gain from your college experience often depends more on what you make of it than the name of the institution. This includes factors like academic engagement, quality of faculty, research opportunities, internships, relationships with mentors, and the skills you develop.

Therefore, you should prioritize the school that you feel is the best fit for you, where you believe you'll be happiest and most successful. Being happy and successful generally leads to better grades, more involvement, and stronger relationships—each of which is more directly tied to future opportunities than the name of the college.

Of course, the "prestige" of a school isn't meaningless. It can often be symbolic of the quality of education and the strength of the alumni network. But these are not exclusive to prestigious schools, and you can find them at a range of institutions.

In a nutshell, while prestige can play a role in certain situations, it's not as important as finding a school that aligns with your personal and academic goals. You're likely to do better and get more out of your college experience if you genuinely enjoy where you're studying.