Review: “Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be”
By Christopher Obenchain
Popular media coverage of college admissions focuses on increasing competition and complexity; it's easy for students and parents to get caught up in the feeling that enrolling in a “prestigious university” is the key to success. However, in his book, Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be, Frank Bruni challenges this notion and provides a refreshing perspective on what truly matters in the college experience.
Bruni, a New York Times columnist and former college admissions officer, dispels the myth that attending a highly selective college is the only path to success. He argues that the college you attend does not define you as a person or determine your future success. Bruni encourages readers to focus on finding a school that is the best fit for them, both academically and personally.
Bruni uses real-life examples of successful people who did not attend Ivy League or other highly selective universities to bolster his assertion that the variables with the most impact outcomes are those found within the individual (not the institution). He profiles Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, entrepreneur Steve Jobs, and journalist David Brooks, all of whom attended colleges less often touted by the U.S. News and World Report. Bruni also highlights the experiences of students who attended community colleges and state universities and went on to achieve great success in their careers.
Bruni's book is particularly relevant for parents whose students may be graduating from independent schools, as those graduates are more likely to attend private colleges. I’d wager that for the average Downtown School family, what was crucial in the decision to enroll here was finding the right fit for their student. The student's interests, learning environment preferences, and individual goals should be the primary focus of the college search process, just as they were during the high-school search process.
Bruni emphasizes the importance of a student-centered process that values the student's individual needs, goals, and aspirations. This process involves empowering students to take control of their college search by providing tips and advice on how to find the right fit. Students should be encouraged to consider factors such as location, campus culture, and size, rather than just the prestige of the institution.
Throughout the book, Bruni highlights the importance of student empowerment. He argues that students should be the driving force behind their college search, and that they should be invested in making informed decisions about their future. Sharing examples of successful people who attended an array of colleges and universities, Bruni helps to dispel the notion that the name on your diploma determines your future success. Success is not determined by the college you attend, he notes, but rather by your own drive, determination, and willingness to take advantage of opportunities.
Ultimately, Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be is a great read for anyone involved in (or about to be involved in) the college admissions process. It is a student-centered book that emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit, and it encourages students to take control of their own future. By empowering students and providing them with the tools they need to make informed decisions, Bruni helps to ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve their goals and seek their own success.