Prestige Isn’t Everything: Why College Fit Matters More Than the Name

A student can get into an Ivy League school and still end up unhappy, disconnected, and transferring. That’s exactly the story Jeff Selingo shares in Dream School, and it’s one every parent should hear.

I’m currently listening to this audiobook and one story really spoke out. Jeff writes of a student who earned admission to an Ivy league school only to transfer to a state university and have a wonderful experience. 

That raises an important question for families:
Did this student choose his college for the name and rankings, without asking whether it would actually support his growth, engagement, and happiness?

The story went on to say that this student found it difficult to join clubs and get one-on-one time with professors, among other things. Once he transferred, those opportunities were all in reach. 

Those are not small details. They’re core to the college experience.

What’s college fit?

College fit includes:
• Academics that challenge but don’t overwhelm
• Access to professors and research
• Career and internship support
• Financial reality
• Location and environment
• Campus culture, food, housing, and community

Now the real question becomes:
Do these things stop mattering just because a school is elite?

College fit isn’t just about how intelligent and successful your child is. It’s about whether the environment gives them access to professors, space to get involved, support to explore careers, and a community where they can actually belong.

When it comes time for you to take your student on college tours,

Parents and students should ask:
• How easy is it to get into clubs or leadership roles?
• How accessible are professors outside of class?
• How many students get research or internships?
• What support exists for exploring careers?

Do these need to be ignored when an elite institution is the goal?

I say no. 

Too often, families fall into an “Ivy or bust” mindset for high-achieving students - assuming that if they can get into an elite school, they should go. But ability doesn’t automatically equal fit.

I’ve worked with many students who could attend very selective schools. Some listen when we talk about fit. Some don’t. And that’s okay - because they all eventually end up where they belong, even if it takes more than one stop.

The goal isn’t prestige.
The goal is growth, access, and opportunity.