Reply to The Obsession With Top Schools Is Sad

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Do you think UMC/rich people look down on big state flagship football schools? They are popular and have low acceptance rates- is this looked down upon? [/quote]

I think there is a certain segment of the population that wants no part of a public university. The negative perception seems to come down to two main factors: size and snobbery.

First, many parents are [b]intimidated[/b] by sending their children to large schools where there may be less individualized [b]attention[/b] and [b]support[/b] from the institution and professors. Second, public universities often have a mission to educate a broader segment of students, which can run counter to [b]elitist and pretentious[/b] attitudes.

Think about it: Which sounds more exclusive? "My child is studying engineering at Tufts or Dartmouth" versus "My child is studying engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign." The engineering programs at Tufts or Dartmouth can't touch UIUC's in terms of rankings and reputation, but attending the private institutions sounds more prestigious to many people.[/quote]

I agree with a lot of what you wrote, but your second paragraph is unnecessarily skewed for the point being made a bout size (note the bolded word choices). I value small schools. My kids picked small schools that are not discussed on here, so are no elitist or prestigious. I'm not "intimidated" by big schools. I have experienced in and know the value of having college courses that are small groups with tenured professors for four years -- and it isn't attention and support in a negative coddling way; it is interest and teaching and valuing the student's educational journey. I have experienced the difference between a professor whose calling is teaching undergrads versus getting grants and publishing, while hating the time in the classroom because it gets in the way of the research. Not saying all professors are one way or the other, but on balance, the advantage here goes to the small private college. Yes, a given kid can develop a great mentoring relationship with a professor at a big school, but it's not the norm for the vast majority of students at big state schools.

On the flip side, if a kid really wants the big school football and fraternity experience, they would hate a small college, and I wouldn't force it.[/quote]

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