This article does not deal much with mass media communication except for the fact that many people and institutions let the names of colleges and their reputations decide what type of education a student received. I thought it would be interesting to other students in the class, it was to me. NPR (National Public Radio) is doing a seven part series on the college admissions frenzy and things students should take into consideration. The one I would like to draw attention to is “some students looking for ‘hidden gem’ colleges.” Those highly coveted colleges’ admissions processes are very intense. The students that apply are basing their wants on the reputations and advice of family, friends and highly popular ranking systems. Is this information enough to promise an education based on your needs and personality? College is a time where we start figuring out who we are or who we will be in the future. Will a name help define us or is that exactly what some students don’t want? More and more, students are looking for colleges that fit into the life they hope to make by thinking about the environment, the people, and the studies, not just ranks and G.P.A. I love this outlook because it’s how life should be. Our college education is about what we want it to be, the friends we will make, the places we will live, and the careers we will have.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7384194
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4 comments:
It is a great way to look at college through what each person wants! People have to remember that the college they go to is going to be either a good experience or a bad one. That each person makes their own destiny and if your college is not all that you wanted it to be make the best of it. For you will get out of college as much and you want. It's really up to the person to make their college experience worth wild or not.
So when choosing a college to apply to pick the one that you want to go to. The one that is going to fit your needs. For anyone can say a certain college is better then another but at the end of the day it is you who will be going to school at the college you do. Think for yourself and like my parents always tell me "nothing is etched in stone". You can always change.
Before going to South Seattle Community College, I went to Western Washington University. At the time I applied there, it seemed like a place I would enjoy and could have a positive experience. Once I got there, I realized I had made a mistake and knew I had to get out of there. I am very happy at South Seattle Community College and I'm glad I made the transition. It's important to spend a lot of time researching before you apply to make sure the college is a good fit for you. I also think it's crucial to realize that you can switch schools if it isn't right for you.
"Is this information enough to promise an education based on your needs and personality?"
It can be if the program you are looking into is at a high-ranking University. Unfortunately, name does matter. Harvard, Stanford, Yale, UCLA - they have a reputation for being the best - I can include the University of Washington into that mix too. (At least for the School of Public Health and Community Medicine - We rank #2, next to Harvard's SPHCM) When students apply here at the SPHCM, UW, undergrad degree and institution received from is taken into consideration - as is race-gpa, etc. But, in order to get the top candidates, you must present a package to the prospective student, and it must include $$$, and lots of it. If you're a candidate with good credentials, grad programs will do whatever it takes to make it your experience and your personality. Which can be quite beneficial to the recipient.
I heard part of this article as well and thought it was a great concept. As a student that still hasn't figured out what I want to be when I grow up, relying on the tried and true US News and World report rating systems is instrumental in my person choice process. However, if I knew I wanted to be a large species veterinarian I would total use that outdated issue as kindling. I hope some day to burn my copy.
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