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I read in an article somewhere that, American system heavily emphasis the brand of an Institution, which is markedly different from European institutions (Is th

I read in an article somewhere that, American system heavily emphasis the brand of an Institution, which is markedly different from European institutions (Is this true?). This brand is valuable to people because they believe that the outcomes in their lives will become markedly different based on it. I think if we can somehow design a system which is indifferent to pedigree of an institution and rather afford opportunity based on individual merit (maybe university blind job admissions at the top companies), then the need to attend prestigious institutions will lessen.

rchaud 8y ago
European schools are taxpayer-funded, so students don't have to think as much about 5-figure differences between in-state tuition at a public university and full tuition at a private school. The "pedigree" of US schools developed because the top schools have gigantic endowments from rich alumni, which allows them to build better facilities, hire top teaching talent and fund research. This is a cycle that is reinforced by alums (many at successful companies) who choose to recruit at those schools, thereby creating a new class of well-paid employees who're in a position to contribute to the endowment down the line. For some industries like investment banking and finance, it's extremely important to do your undergrad at a "target school", where banks come to campus directly to run info sessions and do preliminary interviews. Otherwise you may not have a real shot unless you do an MBA, this time at a target school.