The Best Colleges

Many of my students often confess that they came up with their college list by googling, “the best college for…”. I’ll admit, it is a great starting point, but it is also likely that if you are doing this, you will end up with mostly ivy league and other highly selective schools on your list. This will not help you create a balanced list.

However, this post is not about creating a balanced list. I am writing this so that my students and other high schoolers know that there is no such thing as the “best college”.

How many times have you seen and automatically dismissed signs for “best coffee” or “best pizza”. Taste and personal preference vary and therefore such claims are often seen as ridiculous. Yet, why believe in the idea of the “best college”? Every college is different; each has its own culture and unique student populations. Some students excel in small class sizes, while others may feel intimidated or restricted. Big cities may be exciting to some, yet frightening to others. Some campuses are more conservative while others are grounds for activism and social change.

I believe that in order for students to achieve academic success, they must be comfortable in their environments. Thus, the best college is where you are most comfortable and happy, while still being academically challenged. The best college is the college where you will be at ease making friends and building a network. It is the college where culture and academics fit your personality. So please take a break from the online lists and let me help you find the best college for YOU.