Hannah, a high school student in North Carolina, asked:
"Does the college you attend and graduate from (whether grad or undergrad) determine your success for the future? For my school's summer reading book this year, we read "Where You Go is Not Who You'll Be" by Frank Bruni. In small groups, we had a lot of discussion about how even though some people make it big in life coming from not as well known or prestigious schools, the majority come from well-known places. The argument wasn't as valid because even though Bruni did not go to an Ivy, he got into Yale and received the Morehead Scholarship for UNC-Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill alone is considered high up there to many people living in North Carolina, like me. And getting the Morehead scholarship is an even bigger honor. Did you go to an unknown college or somewhere small and still make it big? Do you have any regrets about where you did/didn't end up? How do you define making it big yourself?"
My answer:
Great question Hannah. The short answer: yes and no. I think about this often because I'll hear people say things like "s/he is so smart, they went to Stanford", and I'll think, on the one hand it is difficult to get into schools like Stanford, but on the other I've met tons of people who have gone to more prestigious schools who aren't nearly as "smart" (for lack of a better word) than people I know who went to less prestigious schools. It's easy for people to put others into buckets based on where they went to school and that's what doesn't sit well with me. This is probably why..
I attended the University of Oregon, got in with a 3.2 GPA, did quite well and graduated in four years. I was one of those high school students who focused more on sports and a social life than I did on excelling with my school work so that I could go to a prestigious school. It didn't mean I wasn't as smart as my classmates who did excel in school and go to great universities, and it doesn't mean that those peers are more successful than I am today. Quite the opposite!
However cliche it sounds, you need to be the one who defines success or "making it big" as you say, for yourself. Everyone has their own definition of this, because most everyone has different aspirations in life. At nearly 30 years old, I'm exactly where I want to be. I love my job, I make good money, I married a great man, I have supportive friends and family.. and the list goes on! There are still things I want to achieve that I haven't yet, so in terms of "making it big".. I'm not quite there, but I'm still young and I am well on my way!!
It's also worth noting that I had a fantastic experience at the University of Oregon. I earned a degree in journalism and communications, learned a ton, and grew personally and professionally more than I ever thought I could or would. I attribute some of this to my alma mater, but I attribute most of it to myself. The university you attend is just the first step, the rest is up to you. You have to be the one to get out of bed on time and show up to your classes. You have to be the one to choose to go to the library to study instead of going out with friends. You have to be the one who finds jobs and internships and clubs to participate in... you get the idea. It really is up to you and the decisions you make in high school, college and beyond that will determine your success in life.
In short: When you have a prestigious school on your resume it sets you apart on paper, this is absolutely true. If you don't have a prestigious school on your resume you'll need to try that much harder to set yourself apart. I actually just answered another student's question about this. Give it a read here.
The good news? More and more companies are becoming less hung up on where candidates went to school and focusing more on who the candidate is and how they present themselves. In fact, a couple years ago Google's Head of People Operations said this in an article about their hiring strategy: "When the company was small, Google cared a lot about getting kids from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. But Bock said it was the "wrong" hiring strategy. Experience has taught him there are exceptional kids at many other places, from state schools in California to New York. 'What we find is the best people from places like that are just as good if not better as anybody you can get from any Ivy League school,' said Bock, who just authored a book titled "Work Rules!"
I recommend the following next steps:
- Figure out your own definition of success. To start, answer: when you picture your life 10 years from now, what does it look like?
- Read the full article I mentioned above here.
- Make a list of what differentiates you from other people, regardless of the school you may or may not attend (e.g. presenting in front of people). Focus in on those traits/qualities and turn them into areas of expertise.
- First impressions matter when you're looking for work, so start practicing your cover letter writing and interviewing skills now, and begin building your resume around activities that demonstrate your differentiators.
FAQs
It really is up to you and the decisions you make in high school, college and beyond that will determine your success in life. In short: When you have a prestigious school on your resume it sets you apart on paper, this is absolutely true.
Does the college you attend determine your success? ›
We've got the answers to your questions: Here's the good news: getting a college degree positively affects your career, but where you go to school is much less important than earning that diploma. There's no such thing as “the best” school, but there might be a school that's best for you.
Does a college degree determine success? ›
So, is a college degree necessary for success? Not quite. There are plenty of wonderful jobs out there that do not require a bachelor's, or even an associate degree. If you are wondering if you need a college degree to be successful in life, the answer will largely depend on your professional goals.
Does the school you go to determine your future? ›
No, the high school you attend does not determine your future. While the quality of education and resources available at your high school can certainly play a role in your academic success, there are many other factors that contribute to your future success and opportunities.
How does college impact your future? ›
Enhanced Job Opportunities
Employers view a college degree as an indicator of a candidate's dedication, discipline, and ability to undertake and complete a challenging project. These qualities are highly valued by employers seeking candidates capable of making meaningful contributions to their organizations.
Why college makes you successful? ›
A college education shows potential employers you can complete a long-term project, you can think critically, solve problems, and have the capacity to learn new things. Most jobs now require at least some college experience; without a degree, you will likely be at a disadvantage when competing against other applicants.
What determines student success in college? ›
All students can experience successful degree completion and graduation, but certain factors influence the rate at which that success occurs. Things like quality education, personal relationships, and postsecondary education resources tend to shape (and even predict) the outcome of a student's journey.
Does education lead to success? ›
Education not only broadens the mind, but it also gives you the tools to accomplish tasks and live a better life. Here's why: Education is essential to a successful life. A happy and fulfilled life means more than just making ends meet. It means having time for your family, meeting new people, and learning new things.
Do college grades predict future success? ›
Good grades signal an ability to learn, and that is one of many qualities for which colleges and employers are looking. However, grades are not the only sign, and in fact once grades are deemed good enough, many factors will trump them in determining success.
Do most successful people have a degree? ›
Education is often seen as a vital component of success, but not everyone who achieves greatness has a diploma or degree. Many successful people did not graduate from college or high school, yet they went on to accomplish incredible things in their lives.
Network and Connections: Attending a well-regarded college can provide access to a vast network of alumni and connections in your field of interest. These connections could help you land internships, jobs, or other opportunities that could boost your career.
How does school shape your future? ›
It's where their work (learning) is. It's where their peers are and where their relationships happen. It's also where their parents aren't, so school is where they begin to shape their individual identities and, with any luck, begin to figure out for themselves how to deal with life's demands and problems.
Does your college define you? ›
Learn from their stories and experiences. Get them to refer you, or ask if they could keep you in mind for future opportunities. This will get you much, much farther than the degree that you received, or the university from which you received it. Your degree doesn't define you, and it never will.
How has college influenced your life? ›
“The experience of going to college for me was transformative. I got to learn a lot about myself and what matters to me in building a life for myself. I was able to find my people because I was doing what I like to do and found commonalities with them.
Does it matter what college you attend? ›
Overall, most hiring managers agree that while having a certain school on your resume might draw excitement, having the right skills and a demonstrated capability of producing quality work matters most.
Do you have a better chance of getting into a college if your parents went there? ›
Some of it comes down to tradition, but it may also be for monetary reasons. Colleges and universities tend to get more donations from families who are committed to the particular school, so this extra money can be cause to admit more legacy students.
Does it matter what college you go to for business? ›
The "best" school to earn an MBA from depends on the student. For some applicants, a local program makes the most sense. In other cases, relocating helps students reach their career goals. For example, attending a program with strong ties to local companies might make more sense than choosing an out-of-state program.
