In our society, there exists an ardent obsession with premier institutions like Harvard, Stanford, IITs, and IIMs. These esteemed colleges often hold the promise of a brighter future. They’re perceived as gateways to success, job security, and societal prestige. Middle-class parents often harbor dreams of securing admission for their children to these esteemed institutions, having the belief that it guarantees job security and paves the way for a successful life for their children. Parents, driven by societal expectations and aspirations for a better future, invest heavily in their children’s education.
However, it is essential to question whether these institutions genuinely guarantee job security and successful life. Or if they have become glorified entities in the pursuit of better higher education. This blog post delves into the underlying perceptions and realities surrounding these premier colleges. We question whether these colleges truly ensure a prosperous career or if their reputation is glorified beyond reason.

Obsession with Prestigious Colleges

The aspirations of students and parents for admission into colleges like Harvard, Stanford, or IITs, are often fuelled by the captivating success stories of alumni and constant media portrayals of these institutions. Parents and students both view these colleges as the ultimate pathway to success.
The relentless pursuit of admissions to these colleges puts immense pressure on students, who dedicate their childhood to clearing entrance exams for these colleges. The societal pressure to secure admission to these institutions often overshadows a student’s true interests and passions, leading to a rat race for the most prestigious tag. Moreover, parental expectations and the competitive nature of these exams can contribute to mental health issues and even student suicides.

Some Data Insights

According to Google Bard, here is the number of Applicants and Acceptance Rate of top colleges in India and Worldwide in 2023.

Indian Engineering Colleges

Top Ranking Universities

As you can see, the acceptance rate for these prestigious schools is very low, with only a small percentage of applicants being admitted. This shows, how difficult and competitive is admission to these schools, especially for an average student.
(It is important to note that these numbers are just for the fall 2023 application cycle. The number of applications and acceptance rates may vary for future application cycles.)

Aspirations for Better Placements and Settling Abroad

For many Asian students, the dream of settling in the West has become synonymous with a better standard of living and the so-called “American Dream.” This aspiration for international recognition and exposure has fuelled the desire to pursue education in elite foreign institutions. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between pursuing international exposure and recognizing the potential for growth and success in home opportunities. By promoting a global mindset, educators can help students make well-informed and meaningful choices about their career paths.

Illusion of Guaranteed Success

While premier colleges offer excellent education and exposure, it is crucial not to overstate the correlation between a college degree and a successful career. While these institutions undoubtedly provide excellent education, resources, and networking opportunities, they do not guarantee an effortless path to success. Although, a prestigious institution may provide a platform for networking and opportunities. It is individual efforts, skills, and personal drive that ultimately play a significant role in shaping one’s professional trajectory. It is essential to recognize that success can be achieved irrespective of the college attended. Emphasizing the importance of personal growth, resilience, and continuous learning is crucial to dispel this illusion.

High Price of Cracking the Entrance Exams

The pursuit of gaining admission to premier colleges comes at a high cost, extending beyond monetary expenses. Clearing entrance exams for premier colleges is no easy feat. Students often start preparing from a very young age, sacrificing their childhood and adolescence for the pursuit of academic excellence. The competitive nature of these exams, coupled with parental expectations, creates an environment where the mental and emotional well-being of students suffers. This competitive atmosphere sometimes suffocates young students, resulting in students taking extreme steps like suicide, particularly in India.

Influence of Media and Society

The media and society play a significant role in shaping perceptions and ideals related to education and success. Popular culture, including American TV series like Suits and Bollywood movies, often glamorizes premier colleges. This extends the belief that a degree from these institutions guarantees success in life. This societal mindset often perpetuates the idea that success is solely tied to attending prestigious colleges. Neglecting the importance of personal growth, resilience, and determination. It is essential to critically assess these portrayals and encourage a more balanced perspective on education and career paths.
To counteract the influence of media and society, there is a need to promote a more holistic understanding of success that encompasses various career paths and personal aspirations.

Impact of Commercialisation of Education

The commercialization of education and the proliferation of preparatory coaching centers pose significant challenges for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The exorbitant fees and the thriving coaching industry have made it challenging for students from humble backgrounds to excel in entrance exams. As a consequence, many parents resort to education loans, putting additional pressure on students.
This emphasizes the need to address the commercialization of the education and need for equitable access to quality education. There is a need to reevaluate the priorities in the education system. It is necessary to put emphasis on quality education, investment in teachers, and infrastructure. Reducing the dependence on commercial coaching centers can help create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.

While premier colleges undoubtedly offer a range of benefits and opportunities. It is crucial to debunk the notion that a degree from these institutions ensures lifelong success and job security. The obsession with these colleges and the glorification they receive from various sources may overshadow the importance of personal growth, skills, and perseverance.
It is essential to recognize that true success is a result of individual passion, continuous learning, and adaptability to the ever-evolving dynamics of the professional world. As a society, we must redefine our measures of success. We should alleviate the immense pressure placed on students, fostering an environment that values holistic growth and diverse paths to achievement.