What Make a College "Good"?

In the college admissions process, it’s easy to get caught up in rankings, brand-name schools, and Ivy League dreams. But what truly makes a college good? Is it prestige and exclusivity - or something deeper, more personal, and lasting?

Three powerful books challenge conventional wisdom and help families shift their focus from reputation to fit. They offer compelling arguments for redefining what makes a college truly worthwhile - not the most famous name, but the place where a student can thrive, grow, and prepare for a meaningful life.

📘 Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be by Frank Bruni

In this thoughtful and timely book, former New York Times columnist Frank Bruni takes aim at the high-stakes frenzy surrounding elite college admissions. He challenges the belief that a student’s future hinges on getting into a top-ranked university, arguing instead that success is shaped by what students do in college - not just where they go.

Bruni’s most powerful message is that the true value of college lies in the opportunities available on campus and a student’s willingness to take advantage of them. Drawing on research and real-life stories, he illustrates how ambition, initiative, and a sense of purpose matter far more than the name on a diploma. Students who actively seek out mentorships, internships, research, and leadership roles, regardless of their school's ranking, are the ones who thrive.

This is a must-read for students and families feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of prestige. Bruni reframes the conversation entirely, showing that fulfillment and opportunity can be found at a wide range of colleges - if students are ready to lean in and make the most of their experience.

📗 Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope

In this influential book, Loren Pope - a respected education journalist and former New York Times editor - profiles 40 lesser-known liberal arts colleges that focus on student-centered education. These schools prioritize personal growth, deep faculty relationships, and transformative learning.

Before diving into the college profiles, Pope challenges the obsession with rankings and debunks myths about the Ivy League. His central question echoes the title of this article: What actually makes a college “good”? For Pope, it’s the quality of the student experience - not the status of the institution.

The book is organized by region, with the West featuring standout institutions such as:

• University of Puget Sound

• Reed College

• St. Mary’s College of California

• Whitman College

• Willamette University

• University of Redlands (just added in July!)

These colleges foster critical thinking, community engagement, and lifelong learning - core components of a truly valuable education.

Want to know more? There is now a Colleges That Change Lives organization with a website at: https://ctcl.org

📙 Colleges That Create Futures by The Princeton Review

This guide offers yet another lens for evaluating colleges: real-world preparation. Highlighting 50 institutions that excel in internships, research, leadership training, and other experiential learning opportunities, it emphasizes how students apply what they learn far beyond the classroom.

This is not a ranking or a “best of” list - it’s a curated collection of colleges that empower students to build skills, networks, and confidence for life after graduation. Featured schools include:

• Arizona State University

• Vassar College

• University of Dayton

• Villanova University

• Smith College

• University of Texas–Austin

• Haverford College

• Wagner College

Notably, there’s no overlap with the schools in Colleges That Change Lives, making these two books an excellent pairing for families exploring a broad spectrum of powerful educational experiences.

Final Thought

Whether you're just beginning your college search or reevaluating your list, these three books offer clarity, perspective, and a refreshing reminder of what truly matters. While they are not recent publications, their messages remain deeply relevant: The best college isn’t the one with the biggest name - it’s the one that’s the best fit. It’s where a student will grow, thrive, and leave ready to make an impact.

So, what makes a college “good”? According to these authors, it’s not about prestige - it’s about purpose, people, and possibility.

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