Reply to Big state schools - lot of fun, great networks, but do you really learn there?

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[quote=Anonymous]I attended a big land grant university, and then TA'd at an elite liberal arts college while doing my graduate work.

Both experiences had their benefits, but the benefits of LACs are well-understood (and perhaps over-valued) on this thread, so I'll focus on my experience at Big State U.

The teaching was superb, in many ways better than the instruction I got in my "elite" graduate program or in the classes where I TA'd. I don't know if I just got lucky, or if my chosen majors just attracted rock stars, but my professors had stellar academic credentials and were right in the mix of the academic discourse in their fields.

Part of me wonders if some of them had chosen a "quality of life" position instead of chasing endless upgrades in academic institutions, because the college town was a genuinely lovely place to live if you valued hiking, snow sports, mountain biking, etc.

I absolutely had access to high quality mentoring, and in fact had several professors take an active interest in me as a first-generation college graduate and second-generation American. They helped me navigate internships, and gave incredible advice about next steps after undergrad.

I guess the point is that I feel like a got a great education, including strong mentorship. I'm aware I was lucky, but I was also willing to hustle. If a kid is willing to do the work, they are going to have opportunities anywhere. 
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