A smarter way to pick the right college
Sep 25, 2025•20 min
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Summary
Higher education journalist Jeffrey Selingo discusses why college admissions has become overly focused on prestige, leading many students to apply to numerous top-tier schools that may not be the right fit. He shares essential factors beyond rankings, such as supportive first-year experiences, strong mentorship connections, real job experience opportunities, and a college's financial health. Ultimately, the episode encourages a broader perspective on what defines a "dream school," emphasizing thriving and meaningful connections over a prestigious name.Episode description
When deciding between colleges, it can be tempting to let prestige guide your choice. But so many factors go into finding the right fit: research opportunities, campus extracurriculars, social life, specific classes or programs, and of course, very real financial considerations. This episode, higher education journalist Jeffrey Selingo, author of Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, outlines what students and parents should consider when choosing a school.
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