Everyone "knows" that getting into the most prestigious college possible is the key to success. But what if this foundational assumption about American education is completely wrong? What if the frantic race for college prestige—the test prep, resume padding, and family stress—is based on a lie that benefits everyone except you? The research suggests it might be. Scientific studies show that for a given student, attending a marginally more prestigious college provides virtually no career or income advantage. Yet millions of families exhaust themselves and their resources chasing diminishing returns in a zero-sum game that has nothing to do with the quality of their education or growth.
 

Practical College Strategy exposes the great college lie and shows you a better path. You'll discover why correlation has been mistaken for causation, how selection bias creates the illusion of prestige value, and who benefits from perpetuating these myths. More importantly, you'll learn how to use your high school years strategically—exploring your genuine interests, developing real skills, and positioning yourself for the career you actually want rather than the one college admissions officers think you should want. This isn't about lowering your standards; it's about raising them. Instead of optimizing for a logo on your sweatshirt, you'll optimize for the intellectual peers, learning opportunities, and career preparation that will actually shape your future.