Does your college really matter?

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Jun 27, 2011
5,089
0
North Carolina
We've discussed this before, but here's another take on it, discussing the psychological advantages of being a top student at a middling school vs. a lesser student at an elite school.

Also food for thought in softball regarding whether it's better to be a top player on a average team or a low-end player on a great team.

 
Last edited:

Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
Didn't watch the video. BB attended a school that is considered to be the best school for her major in that state. For us, that was a huge draw. To add some more discussion points to this thread, do the accolades you earn at any school matter when searching for a job. BB was on the Dean's List each semester but so many are. However, she was also the Female Scholar Athlete for the school and an Academic All American. Her school has only had 11 including her in the history of the school. Does that then matter to potential employers? Would it matter for your dds? What about the ability to get and then maintain an academic scholarship? That money has to matter a lot.
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
As a parent, I want to see my kid play. All other things being equal (academics, social fit, etc.) i'd probably vote for a lower level program where she'd be a starter, if it were up to me.

As for academics, I think for most people, it doesn't matter all that much if they go to an "elite" school or not. I worked in finance before I had kids. I have a business degree from a 4-year state school. I wasn't looking for an elite job, just something entry level right out of school in my field of study. The degree itself was just a check mark for them. They didn't care where I went (within reason, I'm sure) and never asked my GPA (which was OK but not exceptional at 3.2).
 

obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
Great video! this is exactly what we are thinking about as DD#2 begins the school hunt!

What I have observed in my 58 years is that in life, the kind of person you are matters more than where you went to school. In the Architectural firms I have worked in, all were attracted by degrees from Harvard but very few of those employees worked out. the ones that did were more a result of the kind of person they were and their background/experiences. I know a guy who makes millions and he went to a state school ( however his kids all went to private schools and big name universities). A kid in DD#1's HS class is going to a no-name state school and will be finishing his last year as a paid internship at a dream job. Another kid I know in the same major from a big name college has been working at starbucks since she graduated 5 years ago.

Some colleges have strong networks and may be able to get your foot in the door, but if you have IT, you will be successful, no matter where you go to school.
 
Last edited:
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
It ain't the arrow, it's the Indian. Winners do not make excuses and are successful regardless of where they went to school or what adversity they may face.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
There are lots of reasons players choose a school, and what is most important to some may be less important to others. Here is a quick list of 10 items you can use to compare schools, but I am sure I have forgotten a couple.

1) Competitiveness of the softball team
2) Anticipated out of pocket expenses
3) Prestige of the school
4) Playing time
5) Strong program in a particular major
6) Proximity to home
7) Softball coaching staff and players
8) Proximity to the beach, mountains, ect.
9) College campus setting
10) Weather
 
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
There are fewer superior schools out there then there are crappy ones. Yes it matters for your dds future what school she goes to. Absolutely. However, it's not the state schools you have to worry about as much as some of the private schools. Look at graduation rates, look at employment after school statistics...

You hear all the time about college graduates not finding jobs, that problem is not equal across all schools.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
DD is fine sitting on bench and seems to contribute to team being better. Not all players are like that.

First priority needs to be what they are going to do after college. For this forum 2nd priority is SB.

Both can coexist, they are not mutually exclusive.

There are a lot of good schools out there,

If you have to be on field, you can find school.

Really sideways but once they get out there I think a lot pursue different things besides SB.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
I would also like to point out that getting a degree in a field that is in demand is also going to increase the chances of future success.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I would also like to point out that getting a degree in a field that is in demand is also going to increase the chances of future success.

So a double major in Art History and LGBT Studies is not a an express train to a multiple job offers and a six figure salary? :)
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,478
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top