What makes a school prestigious in Massachusetts?

I've heard Massachusetts has some pretty top-tier schools. What factors make a school prestigious there? Is it mostly academic performance, alumni success, or something else entirely? Trying to figure out what to prioritize in my research.

There are a number of factors that can make a school prestigious. While it's not exclusive to Massachusetts, many of the attributes held by top-tier universities in this state are also applicable on a broader scale.

1. Academic Quality: Top-tier schools often attract top-tier faculty, leading to high-quality instruction, a broad range of dynamic and rigorous courses, and opportunities for meaningful research. Schools like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University are renowned for their academic prowess.

2. Institutional Reputation: This often comes from a school's long-standing tradition of excellence and the impact of its research and graduates on a global scale. Harvard, for example, enjoys a reputation as one of the most prestigious higher education institutes worldwide.

3. Student Profile: Prestigious schools generally attract highly talented and motivated students from around the world. The presence of such high-achieving students helps add to the school's prestige.

4. Career Outcomes and Alumni Influence: Successful and influential alumni significantly raise the prestige of a school. This is often demonstrated through an alumni network's continued engagement with the school, their professional achievements, and the advancement of societal good.

5. Trusted Rankings: Many prestigious schools top the rankings in respected publications like U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, and Forbes. These rankings evaluate factors such as academic quality, graduation rates, faculty resources, and financial health of the university.

6. Selective Admissions: These schools typically have a highly competitive admissions process and admit only a small proportion of applicants, which contributes significantly to their prestige.

Remember, factors contributing to a school's prestige might not necessarily align with what's most important for your education and personal growth. Therefore, rather than simply targeting the most prestigious institutions, consider what you want to study, the environment where you'll thrive, and what career outcomes you desire. This will help you find the school that best fits your individual needs.