Does the college I attend really matter in the long run?

Hi there! I'm a junior and I've been feeling a lot of pressure about the college application process. I know that getting into a prestigious school can be important, but I'm wondering if the college I attend will really matter in the long run. How much does the school you go to affect your future career and success? Thanks for any help!

Hello! It's completely normal to feel some pressure during the college application process, but it's important to keep things in perspective. While attending a prestigious college can provide certain opportunities and connections, it's not the sole factor that determines your future success.

If you look at the CEOs of various companies, or the young professionals who appear on lists like Forbes' 30 Under 30, they come from a wide range of colleges and universities. Any school can springboard you into a successful career, so long as you make the most of the resources available to you. Focus on developing strong relationships with professors, participating in extracurricular activities, and gaining practical experience through internships or research projects. Employers typically value your skills and experiences more than the name of the institution on your diploma.

It's also worth noting that your personal happiness and well-being are crucial during your college years. The true value of college is using your four years there to grow and learn more about yourself, so that you have a clearer sense of what success even looks like for you personally and how you'll achieve it. So, choose a college that feels like a good fit for you, in terms of location, size, culture, and academic programs, rather than solely focusing on its ranking.

Remember, your hard work, dedication, and passion will ultimately have a greater impact on your future success than the name of your college.