The article critiques the myth of 'good colleges' as a false construct that serves to uphold privilege among the elite. It highlights the psychological toll this belief exerts on students, many of whom experience severe anxiety and depression while striving for admissions into elite institutions. Despite widespread notions of elite colleges offering superior education, the evidence suggests that life outcomes, such as earnings and well-being, are comparable between elite and non-elite graduates when factors like talent are considered. The author calls on parents to prioritize their children's actual educational needs over societal pressures and expectations.
The paradox lies in the pursuit of 'good colleges'—a myth that sustains privilege, while the actual educational quality often yields similar outcomes across elite and non-elite institutions.
Parents should steer their children’s education choices away from ego-driven ambitions towards genuine well-being, acknowledging that the designation of a 'good college' rarely aligns with substantive benefits.
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