Introduction I sought out to answer a rather intangible, philosophical question, which somehow is almost central to what makes this university successful. In fact, its success is the question! I wanted to understand what it is about UNC that makes it a “good,” and prestigious, school. Toward that end, I needed to investigate the intricacies of this institution, and of this question. Because the terms “good” and “prestigious” are highly subjective, I did not attempt to objectify them, but I instead sought to get a working definition from each interviewee as well as refer to some of the contemporary big names in school rankings for their definitions. Some of the ‘big names’ that come to mind are the US News and Forbes lists of universities. The topic itself was one that was sparked out of my own curiosity to better understand why I chose UNC as an institution to transfer to, and also what made me choose the other schools that I applied to. Needless to say, they were all prestigious institutions as well. But what makes an institution prestigious? I believe that it has a lot to do with perspective: the answer and value will be at least slightly different for everyone. As this autoethnography will examine, this question has many intricacies that can only be examined and understood so well; I do not believe it is feasible to fully account for all the factors that go into making a school known as a ‘good’ one. Statement of Positionality I came to UNC at the end of a very nontraditional path through the educational system. As a child, I despised school in all its forms from the core of my being. Perhaps it was because I never enjoyed school from the start, and so through all the rest of my time spent in grade school I never cared for it... ... middle of paper ... ...d not be viewed in place of one another. It is interesting to note how all of this relates to the historical notion of a university. In ancient Greece, the university had a much different role in society, and it focused on nothing other than the liberal arts. Today, the university is a place for career advancement, research and technology, as well as the instruction of the Liberal Arts. Therefore, all conclusions about ‘which university is better’ will be inherently flawed, since there are so many contributing factors and ways in which we could measure this. Just as there is a top college for partying, there will be a top college for the liberal arts. It is important to remember that the process of seeking this information is, in itself, an enlightening process that can help one better appreciate their institution, regardless of where it stands on a list of schools.
What stands out about American universities today? Is it the academic opportunities offered to students, experienced faculty, or strong sense of community? Or...perhaps they have lost their focus. It is not uncommon for universities to focus their efforts and budgets elsewhere; by building state of the art gyms, for example, remodeling luxury dorms, grooming campuses, or creating more management positions. College students and professors alike are subject to the nationally occurring changes in higher level education. Colleges are becoming commercialized and tuition is rising, but is the quality of education improving? In “Why We Should Fear University, Inc.”, Fredrik DeBoer is able to provide a personal take on the issue of corporate domination
A potential incoming college freshman struts with confidence through the sliding doors of the Student Center, inhaling the freshly prepared pizza ready to be served at Sbarros, and sees the smiling faces as Pride Leaders try to convince each individual to enroll at Hofstra University; yet fail to admit that every university has its limitations and failed expectations. A journalist from U.S. News reports, “Hofstra University 's ranking in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 135.” (Hofstra University)
Roebuck, Julian B., and Komanduri S. Murty. Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Their Place in American Higher Education. Westport: Praeger, 1993. Print.
The biggests explain I can think of is University Of michigan. They are famous for their football team. But do you know what else they are famous for? There science department. University Of Michigan get peoples attention only for football of science department what about other major? The major that could matter but don't get enough attention. This world of education is turning to only science majors and math or the football team. There classes like writing, speech, art and etc is turning into basic classes that supports science and math. The high the test score in these subject the better the rating for universities. What about the success rate of students? No college wants to rate themselves by the number of murders, suicides, failures, or dropouts. They all hide the negative side to attract the students to come to their college. Colleges are turning education into a business. They do this by adding classes that are not a part of their major, increasing the prices of books, and high tuitions that cause students to pile up with student
Jaschik, Scott. "Study Documents Impact of 'quality of Life ' Rankings of Colleges." Inside Higher Ed. Inside Higher Ed, 16 Jan. 2014. Web. 12 Oct. 2016. .
When debating higher education, it could be considered rare to find someone who feels college, here in the United States, is being perceived and applied in the absolute most beneficial way it can be. Generally, many people feel there is at least one thing, and probably many more, that they would change about the way college is either functioning or being perceived by parents, students, or educators. In a climate where so many people feel change needs to come, many opinions on what needs to change and how and why these changes should take place have the opportunity to surface. The two articles to be mentioned in this, one written by Charles Murray and the other by Gerald Graff, tell seemingly opposite approaches, in the specifics, to bettering
Newman, John Henry. "The Idea of a University." The Presence of Others. 3rd ed. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000. 126 - 131.
I would like to get a teaching degree from a university. The two universities that I really love are UNC Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University. When comparing UNC Chapel Hill to Wake Forest I find they are both similar, yet different. Looking at cost of tuition, the number of students, graduation rate, location, admission rate, room and board, financial aid, and flexibility for both universities it will help me decide which college I would most likely attend.
Anonymous. "What Makes a College the Best College for You." TIME/The Princeton Review: The Best College for You and How to Get In. Spring 1997: 21-26.
Doctor Emily Hauptmann is a college professor that holds a Ph.D. from Berkley as well as a publish author. Doctor Hauptmann quotes Jeff Schmidt in her lecture as saying, “professors rarely challenge their institutions being described as Ivory Towers because part of the image, the part that makes universities seem like islands of autonomy is so appealing even when you throw the tried irrelevance in it.” Those institutions are what shape our country through higher education. The students of those colleges and universities are the people that go on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, business executives and the politicians that run our country. Those politicians are the people that pass laws that direct the education system. It is a huge cycle that is never ending.
Overall, I am glad that I had the opportunities growing up to attend different types of schools. They shaped me into the person that I am today and helped to make me successful, along with the fact that I am very competitive, take pride in what I do and take the time to learn how to work with others. I believe these traits have gotten me as far as I am
School allows many opportunities to grow as a person, and show your personality. Within class I am always an active participant, I always add my input in discussion, and work to answers questions. I have always maintained good grades I was placed in advanced courses beginning in fourth grade and within all 3 years of highschool I have earned a weighted
Yet again, I was starting another school where I didn’t know anyone.I had to do it all over again, with the same thoughts going through my head, wondering what it was going to be like, always wondering if I was going to fit and make friends easily knowing how big it was. I decided that these next two years at this school were going to be focused on college and my school work, I wasn’t going to be in any clubs or sports. I thought to myself that joining a sport at a small school was very different and I didn’t want to know what it was like at a big school. I managed starting this school just like I managed starting high school. Good thing I am very outgoing so I enjoy meeting new people! I remember my first day of school there like it was yesterday. Walking in and seeing thousands of faces that I have never seen before. It was huge, 1500 in each grade. It was so big that they had two different campuses; one for the freshman and sophomores and another for the juniors and seniors. It was really hard making friends but I was lucky enough to be able to go to the Lake County Tech Campus associated with the College of Lake County and I made a lot of friends there in my nursing class. It was a very racial school, there wasn’t a majority of one race whereas Central was majority whites. I enjoyed all of my teachers that I ever had at Warren and I felt that I really learned a lot compared to feeling like I was ever
No matter whether it is a facility being upgraded or a volunteering opportunity being organized, a university primarily strives to stimulate students’ enthusiasm, find their real interests, and establish a careful view of the world. Edmundson claims that universities undergo such changes because “Schools want kids whose parents can pay the full freight” (43). Despite the construction projects and campus upgrades, the quality of educational diversity relies on the students, a group of talents that is carefully selected by the admission office. The admission rate for elite universities has remained low for years. With more competition in the educational market, universities are still strict on their principle of recruiting talents. The better resources provided the more quality that schools expect to see from their students. The quality of teaching and the standard of education do not decline as a result of funding
In analyzing factors which contribute university applications, both the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria present similarities through their programs, admission and campus life. Whereas the size of the institution begins to alter the opportunities to travel and study abroad through UVIC, one may find that studying on an island surrounded by one of the most vast substances on earth is just as intriguing. Despite the differences in many universities’ programs or reputation, students will ultimately choose the university which appeals most to their interests. The term university has begun to evolve from an obstacle one must pass to seemingly secure a stable career and a place to solely learn, to a pathway one may choose to further define in his or her journey to success.