&quot;I do think that we over-emphasize the school itself.&quot;<p>God yes. I remember an article I read earlier this year (can&#x27;t remember the title or I&#x27;d link it) that followed students at Ivies and at State schools and found that (controlling for grades) it was the students&#x27; commitment to networking, extracurricular activities, volunteering, internships, etc. that made the most difference to their long-term success. I WISH SOMEONE HAD TAUGHT ME THAT! I graduated 10 years ago and oh my god I wish I had done more to network&#x2F;intern&#x2F;volunteer when I was in school.