A “Good” School

I wince whenever someone talked about a "good" college. Parents and students say this all the time, "I want my child to go to a good school." Who doesn't? What is a good school? 

Some of us have been to college. Is a good school like the one we attended? Is it one we know by reputation? Is it one that will make our neighbors and friends jealous or impressed when they see it on our car’s bumper?

How about reversing the question: names some “bad” schools? Are bad schools the ones that have had scandals recently? Can you condemn the Biology Department because the football coach is doing bad things or the administration fails to properly handle allegations of sexual harassment? Is the school “bad” because there is a bad apple? Or is a bad school the one that admitted “that” kid?

The notion of a good school is conversation filler. If we are going to spend the time and energy to get our children into college, and then spend all that money for them to attend, many people want a clear and recognizable brand. That may be why a vast majority of the students in my community go to nearby universities and colleges; they have heard of them because prior students go to them. I see; good schools are schools people I know attend.

This may come as a shock, but there are no good schools. A good school is one that fits the student and his and her family and resources. What is a good school for my elder child may not be a good school for the younger.

We all have our biases, whether we are aware of them or not. Perhaps we follow college sports and judge schools based on the performance of their teams. While a sports culture may be a part of the college experience, is it a good indicator of the academics? I tend to judge schools based on the students from my school who are admitted and attend there. That is not entirely fair. I often know far more about these students than the schools do and that could bias me in favor or against a school that otherwise might be a good fit for my child.

I find that, when people use the term “good schools,” what they are really talking about is schools with snob appeal. They want that look of awe and admiration when they say, “My child is attending Stanford.” They want to be able to brag. Some of them are graduates of these highly selective colleges. Most are not.

Choosing a college based on this kind of reputation is akin to only purchasing clothing from high priced name brand stores. Yet, plenty of people do that. These clothes function as well or poorly as clothing without expensive labels. They also communicate a great deal about class and value. What is the message communicated by wearing clothing that advertises where it was purchased? What is the message communicated by selecting a college based on how others will perceive it?

What it comes down to is the question: why are we sending our child to college? Is it to move up in social status? Is it to mingle with the powerful and wealthy? Is it to look good? For me, the learning is more important the label! 

As I continue the process of searching for a college that is a good match for my son, I must avoid the superficial and tempting “good school” trap. I want to look at the real substance of what each institution offers and how my child will learn and live. While one can buy an expensive shirt with a designer label, one can also purchase a nearly identical product, without the logo, for a fraction of the cost and with far less fanfare and flourish. It will still look good, but some people may not be impressed. Screw ‘em; it fits!