Representative Image / PEXELS

For most high school graduates and their parents, pursuing a university degree comes with significant financial, physical, and mental costs. As someone who has earned seven college degrees — including a Ph.D. and Master's in Education from UCLA, an MBA from USC, three degrees from CSULB, and an Associate's degree from Compton Community College — and spent 50 years as a university professor at institutions such as Chapman University, CSULB, CSULA, and CSUN, I have witnessed higher education from every angle.

Here is what I believe every student and parent should know.

Top Universities Are Here to Stay

Despite growing skepticism about the value of college degrees in an era of artificial intelligence and shifting employer demands, top-ranked universities are not going anywhere. Oxford and Cambridge have survived for over a thousand years. Harvard was founded in 1636, Yale in 1701, and Stanford in 1885.

With endowments exceeding one billion dollars and ever-growing alumni networks, elite institutions will continue to thrive. Their graduates will continue to have their resumes reviewed more favorably, making admission to these schools a worthy pursuit.

Elite Schools Prioritize Graduate Success

Top universities are held accountable by federal and state education agencies, accrediting boards, and national ranking publications — all of which track placement rates and graduate salaries. Universities that want to maintain their rankings must ensure that graduates secure full-time employment at or shortly after graduation.

Many programs have Advisory Boards made up of alumni, employers, and donors who provide direct input on the skills graduates are expected to have. Top schools listen to this feedback and continuously adapt their curriculum accordingly.

Also Read: Academic pressure, isIolation, and identity conflicts on campus

Start Early with Research Mentorship

Middle and high school students who aspire to attend elite universities should seek out professors willing to serve as research mentors. I have personally mentored students from 7th through 12th grade who went on to be admitted to Ivy League schools and other prestigious institutions. Demonstrating academic initiative and research experience at a young age can set a student apart in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Alternative Pathways Are Valid Options

If a top university denies freshman admission, do not give up. Many selective schools offer guaranteed transfer admission after a student completes an agreed-upon number of units at a community college with a required GPA. This pathway can lead to the same degree and the same opportunities as direct freshman admission.

Your Final Degree Matters Most

Freshman admission is just the beginning of the story. Many highly successful professionals began at lower-ranked public universities before completing graduate degrees at prestigious institutions. Conversely, I have known individuals who gained admission to their dream school as freshmen, burned out, and never pursued education beyond their bachelor's degree — a decision that ultimately limited their career growth. Think long-term.

Build Relationships with Your Professors

Professors can open doors that textbooks cannot. Faculty members can connect students with internship opportunities, introduce them to valuable alumni contacts, and provide recommendations for jobs and advanced degree programs. Take the time to visit office hours and invest in those relationships.

Parents Should Stay Engaged

Parents play a meaningful role in the college experience. Join campus parent groups, attend events, stay informed through campus communications, and offer your time as a guest speaker, mentor, or employer contact. Your involvement matters more than you might think.

Maximize the Full College Experience

In a 168-hour week, most students spend fewer than 15 hours in a classroom. The remaining hours present enormous opportunity. Join clubs, pursue leadership roles, and attend campus events where you can meet executives, industry leaders, and alumni in your field. In an age of AI, these human connections and experiences are among the most valuable things a university offers.

Never Neglect Your Wellbeing

Academic success means little without physical and mental health. Take advantage of campus gyms, recreational sports, and psychological services. A healthy student is a successful student.

Finally, remember that graduation is not the end of your university relationship. Stay connected through alumni associations, LinkedIn, and career services — and consider giving back one day as a mentor or guest speaker. The university family lasts a lifetime.

 

The writer is the Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness at Chapman University and Business Consultant

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad.)

 

Discover more at New India Abroad.