Most students have a dream school in mind, whether it’s an Ivy League college or just one that’s well known for the subject in which they want to major. However, when you see the admissions requirements and look into the acceptance rate, you may be put off applying, perhaps worrying you don’t have a chance.

The truth is, even the most prestigious colleges have complex admissions procedures, so even if you don’t have a perfect GPA, if you have other things that put you ahead of the competition, you may still get in. You may be wondering why you should put in the extra effort to get into a great school, so here are some of the reasons it pays to aim high.

1. Going to a Good College Can Net You a Higher Salary

There’s no guarantee that a certain college or a particular degree will lead to a well-paid career: it’s a gamble every student takes, but figures show that a typical Ivy League graduate earns twice as much as a graduate from a run-of-the-mill school. In a time where most students graduate to an uncertain future and with a lot of debt, this statistic shows how important it is not just to get a college education, but to go to the best colleges.

2. If You’re Smart, a Prestigious School Will Challenge You

College is an excellent way to expand your mind and it’s supposed to be a time when you are academically challenged. That’s why it’s worth going to a school with high GPA requirements and competitive admission, as you know your classmates will be on your level and challenge you. Look up the Colgate University average GPA or the admission requirements of schools you’re interested in on CampusReel and pick one close to your own grade. That way you can be sure you won’t simply be cruising through your degree.

3. It Can Open Up More Opportunities

Going to a prestigious school can open up a lot of opportunities:

• Alumni associations will often be closely involved with their old college, so at more prestigious schools, you can network with successful people
• Professors will have successful careers behind them and be able to offer a unique insight into their industries
• There are often better opportunities for internships
• There are usually better extracurricular activities and better facilities, which means your hobbies and interests can turn into something more serious

4. Employers Often Value a Prestigious Education

In an ideal world, employers would look at all applications equally, but the truth is, prestigious colleges have the best rates of graduate employability. A degree from Harvard, Caltech or MIT makes it more likely you’ll get a great job straight out of college than someone who has gone to their local college. Although wherever you go, you still have to put in effort to land that first job post-graduation.

If you have the brains and determination, it’s always worth aiming high and trying to get into the best college you can. While getting in and graduating will be a big challenge, a good college degree can set you up for life and help you on the path to success.

Published: 2020-04-25 09:49:39