[81alum]

Having degrees from Stanford, U Chicago, and Princeton, but teaching my whole career at a Cal State, has given me a perspective on "best schools."  I loved my experience at Stanford and agree that it provided me with a top notch education--although it had its weaknesses as well.  And I have had a few students in my current institution who are every bit as talented as I was and who got an education every bit as superb as I did.   As noted above, Honors Programs can be fabulous in many places.  Especially at the undergraduate level, the quality of the education really depends much more on the attitude of the student, the quality of advising, the willingness to seek out the most appropriate faculty as opposed to just "taking courses."  Granted, the "40 year decision" gives the pedigree of a prestigious institution to  the graduate and that is a considerable advantage--but if you ask what a student actually learns then there are many appropriate pathways, and no best institution.

I think at Stanford it was almost impossible to not receive a quality education.  At my current institution, the student has to work hard and plan a great deal to receive a quality education.  And most, frankly, do not.  But for a bright, well motivated student, a fabulous education can be obtained at most institutions--even outside of college.  It is a matter of fitting the student to the right environment.  If the right environment is Oregon State, so be it.  Without having a window into TVO's soul we are in no position to judge.

[81alum]

Having degrees from Stanford, U Chicago, and Princeton, but teaching my whole career at a Cal State, has given me a perspective on "best schools."  I loved my experience at Stanford and agree that it provided me with a top notch education--although it had its weaknesses as well.  And I have had a few students in my current institution who are every bit as talented as I was and who got an education every bit as superb as I did.   As noted above, Honors Programs can be fabulous in many places.  Especially at the undergraduate level, the quality of the education really depends much more on the attitude of the student, the quality of advising, the willingness to seek out the most appropriate faculty as opposed to just "taking courses."  Granted, the "40 year decision" gives the pedigree of a prestigious institution to  the graduate and that is a considerable advantage--but if you ask what a student actually learns then there are many appropriate pathways, and no best institution.

I think at Stanford it was almost impossible to not receive a quality education.  At my current institution, the student has to work hard and plan a great deal to receive a quality education.  And most, frankly, do not.  But for a bright, well motivated student, a fabulous education can be obtained at most institutions--even outside of college.  It is a matter of fitting the student to the right environment.  If the right environment is Oregon State, so be it.  Without having a window into TVO's soul we are in no position to judge.