What's considered the best schooling in the US?

As someone who's planning for college, I'm trying to understand what constitutes the best schooling in the US. Is it all about prestige, or are there other factors like student satisfaction and resources?

Identifying "the best" schooling in the U.S. can depend on various factors and is often subjective based on individual needs and objectives.

To start, prestige does play a notable role. Prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT often rank highly due to their outstanding faculty, rigorous academics, and reputation for producing successful graduates. This prestige can open networking opportunities and boost job prospects for graduates.

Resources at the university are equally important. Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, well-stocked libraries, and plenty of academic and career guidance services can significantly enrich a student's college experience and post-college outcomes.

Student satisfaction is often a less-considered but important factor. A satisfied student population can indicate a supportive and motivational environment for learning, which is key to a successful education. Factors that contribute to student satisfaction could be the campus culture, extracurricular activities, living accommodations, and even the quality of food in the dining hall.

Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for. For instance, if you're interested in drama, you may regard Julliard as the best school. For engineering, MIT or Caltech may top your list. If you're looking to work on Wall Street, UPenn's Wharton or NYU's Stern might be your target.

It might be helpful in your college planning process to prioritize what's most important to you, whether it's academic rigor, a specific major, the social climate, or career preparation, and use those factors to help identify your "best" colleges. Always remember that "the best" school is the one that fits your personal needs and aspirations the best.