Life Kit: Parenting A smarter way to pick the right college
Sep 25, 2025
Higher-education journalist Jeffrey Selingo, author of "Dream School," shares his insights on college selection beyond just prestige. He argues that students should emphasize factors like campus life, mentorship opportunities, and financial fit over rankings. Selingo points out how less-selective colleges often provide valuable engagement and support. He also discusses the importance of internships and broad curricula for college success, encouraging families to redefine their concept of a dream school.
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Prestige Didn’t Match The Student’s Needs
- A student who got into Columbia felt like they won the lottery but found classes closed and few undergraduate research spots.
- The student transferred to the University of Minnesota and found mentors, research, and friends that suited them better.
Prestige Drives An Application Arms Race
- Applications to top colleges rose from ~600,000 to nearly 2 million in ~20 years, driven by prestige obsession.
- This creates a feedback loop: more applications raise selectivity which fuels more applications next cycle.
Choose Schools With Strong First-Year Support
- Look for colleges with a structured first-year experience that provides small cohorts and faculty access.
- Prioritize schools that scaffold student support and gradually remove it as students gain independence.
