The “Ivy League” is a sports league of 8 colleges and 4 overlaps (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Stanford University and Duke University), but its notoriety is often based on student salary outcomes. Forbes has calculated those salary outcomes for alumni and applied them to 9 colleges it is calling “Public Ivies” that graduate students with similar results. Applications have soared at the colleges, especially in our world of test-optional admissions (though test scores matter). However, many applicants to these colleges are Ivy-caliber with regard to GPA, rigor, test scores, and activities. If you have wondered why admission has become so difficult at these institutions, that’s the reason. These public colleges are also considerably more affordable than their private counterparts.
Binghamton University (New York)
Median earnings of $77,436 for alumni, out-of-state tuition of $26,160
Georgia Institute of Technology
Median earnings of $96,375 for alumni, out-of-state tuition of $32,940
University of Florida
Median earnings of $69,468 for alumni, out-of-state tuition of $28,658
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Median earnings of $139,900 for alumni, out-of-state tuition $50,106
University of Maryland – College Park
Median earnings of $134,700 for alumni, out-of-state tuition $57,873
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Median earnings of $79,580 for alumni, out-of-state tuition of $58,072
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Median earnings of $118,200 for alumni, out-of-state tuition of $53,810
University of Texas – Austin
Median earnings of $137,000 for alumni, out-of-state tuition of $59,618
University of Virginia - Charlottesville
Median earnings of $80,584 for alumni, out-of-state tuition $78,214 to $90,378
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Median earnings of $125,900 for alumni, out-of-state tuition of $56,625
Important note: these are median salaries for alumni with 10 years of experience per Payscale, not for new graduates. I’ll share info about Forbes’ new Private Ivies soon.
Colleges say that today’s students arrive less prepared to handle tasks independently. Whether that's because of helicopter parenting (I get it-we all want our kids to be successful), teachers offering 2nd and 3rd chances to raise a grade, using AI to do work that requires thinking, or checking off tasks completed, filling in their test scores and admissions decisions in our software system (I take responsibility for that one), students count on the safety net for their responsibilities. At Less College Stress Consulting, we focus on the following:
Teaching proactivity: When I advise a student to reach out to admissions reps, make appointments, schedule interviews, and they do this on their own (that’s what colleges want to see…when I email reps, they ask for the student to contact them), it proves maturity and readiness to be successful if admitted.
Approaching essays honestly: Writing demonstrates a logical thought process, so it is a major indicator of future college success. Can a student write a first draft after we draw them out and give them all the details and structure they need? Cohesive writing is considered a basic skill at college regardless of major. AI essays are (at least at this point) generally detectable because they are polished, but impersonal and vague. College standards are higher and plagiarism may have more severe consequences than it does in high school.
Brainstorming extracurricular activity ideas: When we brainstorm, I ask “What interests you? “What are you curious about?” “Why?” Students who continue that conversation will found/join organizations, compete academically, or create opportunities for others to learn and grow. At college, they become leaders/creators, engage with their professors and peers, and earn opportunities for research and internships before thoughtfully considering careers.
At every level, skills start with independent critical thinking–learning to know one’s self. While some students need more support, that’s fine. In the college counseling process, we encourage all students to work independently and dig deeper to help them build skills for college and career success.
After most ED 1 Decisions, some students are happy, others disappointed.
My seniors have worked hard, perfecting applications since the spring. Together, we crafted essays that express their defining qualities and boosted, and fine-tuned, attention-getting activity lists. I helped them honestly choose majors (including undeclared/exploratory) that speak to their direction. We balanced college lists between Likelies, Possibles, and Reaches. That’s why many students have been receiving “Admitted!” messages for a while, some with scholarships for over $100,000 over four years. And yes, some of those are Reaches.
When students set their hearts on Unlikely colleges (those which deny 85% plus applicants), I try to help them manage expectations. “Unlikely” colleges are truly “Wild Cards.” Every applicant is highly qualified, and may include up to 26,000+ valedictorians, an equal number of salutatorians, and students from all over the globe, many of whom have won academic competitions and published notable work.
While we all hope for good news, assuming admission is unrealistic. It may feel personal, but it is not. Institutional priorities dictate if a school is looking for students to fill their new data science major, more tuba players, or more kids from Idaho.
I make clear that the competition in an uber-competitive program (i.e., a STEM field like Computer Science or Engineering) in a most-selective institution is brutal. Admissions must make tough decisions among the highest achievers in the field–in the US and internationally. And while admission to some colleges seems achievable, applying to the business school may result in a denial.
A few students were deferred from a college that defers 90% of its applicants every year. I am relieved that although they were disappointed, they were not shocked.
Denials and deferrals are part of the college application process.
“If you are denied, repeat this mantra: ‘There will be other, better colleges for me and it is their loss.’ LET IT GO. Don't obsess about why it happened. It is out of your control. And most importantly, this is NOT a referendum on your success at college, your ability to have a happy life or your value as a person.”
I’m rooting for you, from now through May 1st.
Enjoy the holidays--give yourself a break from college talk!