Choosing Colleges: An Argument for Being a Big Fish in a Little Pond
The "big fish in a little pond" approach to choosing a college refers to the idea that students may perform better academically and have more opportunities for personal and professional growth at a less competitive institution rather than at a highly competitive, more prestigious one. This approach is based on a theory outlined by Malcolm Gladwell in his book "David and Goliath," which suggests that being a "big fish in a little pond" can have numerous advantages.
One of the main arguments for the big fish little pond approach is that it allows students to stand out and be recognized for their abilities and achievements. At a highly competitive institution, students may struggle to distinguish themselves among a pool of highly talented peers. Those who were once top of their class may find themselves to be average or below average performers, damaging self-confidence and even the joy of learning. In contrast, at a lower-ranked institution that may be less prestigious, students can have more opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in extracurricular activities, and make meaningful contributions to their community. This can help students build confidence, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience that can help them stand out in the job market.
Additionally, the big fish little pond approach can be more cost-effective. While it may be tempting to attend a prestigious, higher-ranked institution, the cost of tuition and fees can be significantly higher at these schools. By choosing a lower-ranked institution that may be less prestigious, students may be able to save money on tuition and fees, as well as have more opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. This can help students avoid taking on large amounts of debt and make it easier to focus on their studies and future goals.
An important distinction to make for the big fish little pond approach is that it is not universally applicable, just often overlooked. Most students and their families default to choosing the most prestigious of their options and can forget that “fit” should be a major factor in selecting a college. Fit — academic, social, and cultural — heavily impacts student success and well-being both in the short-term and the long-term. There are certainly cases where going to the more prestigious institution proves the better choice in the long run, but students and families should remember to seriously evaluate all options and make sure to choose what is right for them.
Overall, the big fish little pond approach can be a great option for students who are looking for opportunities to stand out and make meaningful contributions to their community. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, it is worth considering as an alternative to the traditional "Ivy League" or highly competitive institutions.
