Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens 236: Dream School: How Do You Find the Right College for Your Teen?
Sep 9, 2025
Jeff Selingo, a New York Times bestselling author and higher education expert, joins the conversation to turn college admissions stress on its head. He argues that it's not about chasing prestige, but finding a perfect match for your teen's growth. They discuss research revealing that mid-tier schools often yield outcomes similar to elite ones. Selingo emphasizes the importance of fit, engagement, and personal values, debunking myths about satisfaction tied to name-brand institutions while encouraging open conversations about finances.
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William: Lottery Win, Poor Fit
- Jeff opens the book with William, who wins admission to Columbia but quickly feels out of place and transfers.
- William left Columbia for the University of Minnesota after finding competition, limited research access, and poor fit.
Prestige Doesn't Guarantee Better Averages
- Research shows average outcomes from elite colleges often mirror those from strong public flagships and mid-tier private schools.
- Jeff Selingo cites Opportunity Insights work showing top-outliers don't equal better average career outcomes.
Engagement Isn't Locked To Elite Schools
- Student engagement and satisfaction vary little across selectivity levels according to the National Survey of Student Engagement.
- Selingo found more faculty interaction at schools with 20–40% acceptance than at the most selective institutions.
