Do the Best Students Always Choose the Best Universities?
At first glance, many might think that the best students always choose the best universities. However, as educational experiences vary, such a notion is not always true. This article explores the perspectives of various students and their decisions regarding university selection, highlighting that each individual has unique circumstances that influence their choices.
Debunking the Myth
No, the university does not define a student, nor does a student define the university. Many factors come into play when a student makes this significant decision, from personal aspirations to financial constraints and family support. Here are a couple of examples that illustrate this.
Case Study 1: Academic Excellence and Community College
Consider an Asian girl in my class, one of the brightest students I have ever encountered. Despite being highly talented and gracious, our school's curriculum was not as advanced as hers. As a result, she enrolled in a local college. She excelled in her classes, consistently maintaining the top position, and worked hard to achieve her goals. Any university would have welcomed her with open arms, but she decided to complete her community college coursework to stay close to home. She eventually transferred to a local university, which did not have the most prestigious reputation. Her journey exemplifies that a student's decision to choose a university is not solely based on its reputation but is driven by practical considerations like proximity to family and local opportunities.
Case Study 2: Dependence on Parental Support
There was a case of a young man with academic potential who rarely utilized it. Despite his intelligence, he frequently made excuses and relied on his parents to back him up. While the school did not fail him for fear of alienating a significant donor, his presence was not well-received. Teachers tried to fail him to keep the school's standards high, but the school policies prevented it. This student's behavior, including smoking on campus, selling cigarettes, and bullying others, resulted in him obtaining more resources than deserved. Upon graduating, he immediately enrolled at UC Davis, known for its high regard in medical education, even though it was not an Ivy League institution. This scenario suggests that financial leverage and the influence of family relationships can heavily impact university selection, regardless of academic performance.
Case Study 3: Athletic Scholarships and Intellectual Demands
A third student, a talented athlete, highlighted another dimension in university choice. He was great in sports but struggled academically. To keep him in school, teachers would avoid failing him, as doing so would bring glory to the school. Despite his poor academic performance, he managed to earn multiple scholarships, all for prestigious universities, including his initial enrollment. However, he did not last long in his collegiate career, which was obvious due to his lack of academic preparedness. This story underscores the importance of balancing intellectual and athletic skills when choosing a university.
Case Study 4: Family and Financial Considerations
Lastly, a bright yet economically disadvantaged student who was often absent from school due to lack of transportation sheds light on another critical factor. Despite his academic prowess, he frequently had to borrow equipment from others and missed a lot of school. However, he was fortunate enough to receive a few small grants and scholarships, allowing him to attend a community college. His story emphasizes how financial hardships and access to resources can influence university decisions, and that a community college can still be a viable option for students with strong potential.
Conclusion
Is it true that the best students always choose the best universities? The answer is a resounding no. Each student's journey is unique, driven by a myriad of personal, financial, and social factors. While academic excellence is undoubtedly a crucial factor in university selection, it is not the only one. Understanding the diversity of student experiences can help institutions better serve and support a wide range of academic and personal goals.