I’ve written before that just getting a college degree isn’t so special anymore, that what you can actually do is more important than the name of your school or your major, and that the best way to set yourself up for post-college success is to build a remarkable college career. Even my favorite blogger agrees.
I don’t tackle those subjects to discourage students from going to college or to suggest that it’s impossible to succeed. I do it to remind students that what you do in college is more important than where you do it and that an admissions decision from a famous college doesn’t decide for you whether or not you’ll be successful. Your work ethic, character, interest in learning—those traits are what will ultimately shape your future, and you don’t need anyone else to assign them to you.
You’re in charge. It’s a big responsibility. But wouldn’t you rather own it than leave it to someone else?