My College Application Philosophy (It Helps.)

Rebellion, Fear, Insecurity. These reasons pounded against my philosophy on the College Application Process. Thankfully, now that I’ve reached the end, it hasn’t wavered.

Though you may think that I’m high on a fix of elitism, I’m happy to say that I eat my humble pie in earnest. Then again, all this College talk can be hard to hear this coming from someone who goes to Brooklyn Tech and meets the mayor on New Years Eve, even a bit unpleasant; but, know that I feel strongly about the worth of all schools I applied to, not just those in the highly coveted Ivy League.

First, I want to define and remind you what the Ivy League actually is. According to Wikipedia (Everyone’s Favorite and Most Reputable Source), The Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising eight private institutions of higher education in the Northeastern United States. The term is most commonly used to refer to those eight schools considered as a group. The term also has connotations of academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social elitism.

That’s it. It’s an athletic league. These schools are grouped together so they can have games against evenly matched teams. However, notice the last two words: social elitism. From the 1700s onwards (Thank You Jermaine Heath.), the term has become revered, valued, and in my opinion, haughty. My problem with social elitism has only intensified after hearing some of my peers’ reasoning behind applying to schools many thought were the best and only schools for them.

Now, I’m not an Ivy Basher; I applied to three myself. What I am a basher of, however, is the misconception that going to one of these schools will ensure prosperity and a one-way ticket to the best life ever. Granted, going to one of these schools will propel you into a network of people who are well connected. You may also thank heavens whenever an interviewer asks you “Where did you study during your undergraduate career?” But there is a much bigger issue at hand: I fear that as time goes on, people may actually die to try and get in. (No pun intended, Cornell)

Simply, the name isn’t everything.

How would you look for a school? Do you ask your friends where they apply? Do you go on reputation alone? High enough SAT scores? Most Expensive? Cheapest? A combination of these things? Many applicants fall into one of these categories. Maybe you considered campus size, student-professor ratios, research oppurtunites, study abroad, programs, majors, campus life, support and special interest groups, activities. Maybe you expect to step inside in August and have everything handed to you on a Silver Platter. I love to break it to you, so I will: This isn’t high school anymore.

Some people cling to the reputation of these names because they instill a feeling of unattainability that we humans seek to adapt for a stab at distinction. (How sexy will it sound at a Cocktail Party when you tell some guy that you got your bachelor's at Princeton? Oh you're so hot!)

Can I fault you? In many ways, no. It's your prerogative. (Cue Bobby Brown Music).

Sure, have a dream, apply to a couple of safeties, but if there is some place that truly makes you happy, then by all means, go there! There are hidden gems out there in the College System. If it’s Cornell or City College, you shouldn’t care what your friends have to say about it. I didn’t.

If you’re a trigger happy individual bent on getting your joys out of people who are affected by the name on your degree rather than the impact of your character, then by all means, stay away from me, please. As for me, I’m tired of saying “Brooklyn Tech” and hearing the staccato-like reaction follow. I am not smart because I went to Tech; I’m smart because I applied my knowledge. I want College to reflect that.

I’d like to know the feeling of people not feeling uncomfortable when you tell them where you attend. Be it Macaulay or Hunter, as amazing as you are, you should be able to “wow” people on who you are over where you go.

This all brings me to this wonderful novel idea that College is only as good as you want it to be. No matter where you go, Brooklyn College or Brown University, the effort, time, and friends you make at either of the two will make things all the more sweeter.

Do Your Research!

If you’re after the Ivy League, be after it for more than just having the name. Look past superficiality for once in your life, or you may well end up in a place that you hate.

If you’re after a SUNY, don’t be discouraged by your peers who believe a Binghamton or a Geneseo are beneath them because you know very well that your SUNY is the best place for you, and that you’ll blaze a trail just the same.

If you’re after a CUNY, like I was, don’t be afraid to say that you attend one of the largest, most diverse public institutions in the nation. And remember, if all else fails, think about where you live.

What I am trying to say (over and over again) is look for the best home for you for the next four years. And once you get there, be proud of it.

Macaulay Hunter Student, Class of 2014 and proud of it. =)