When I was younger, I was deeply obsessed with high-ranking universities. I dreamed of studying at prestigious institutions and spent hours analyzing QS rankings, comparing universities, and envisioning my place among the elite. Eventually, I was accepted into a university ranked around the top 800 at the time. Over the years, I transferred to five different universities and made countless friends, including some from Stanford and Harvard. However, my lofty expectations were completely shattered.

I had imagined these individuals as extraordinary—possessing superhuman intelligence and abilities far beyond the average person. Yet, I discovered that this was far from the truth. They studied like us, ate like us, and lived lives just as we do. The primary difference between us was not their intelligence or work ethic but the institutions they attended, which gave them access to like-minded, successful peers and the children of affluent, accomplished families.

It dawned on me that the true value of these top universities lies in the connections they offer. Prestigious institutions like Harvard excel at gathering brilliant minds and wealthy individuals in one place, fostering an environment where resources and intellect converge to create remarkable outcomes. Of course, when you combine talent with financial power, incredible achievements follow. But let’s not ignore the reality: affording $50,000 in tuition annually is no small feat.

Ultimately, I realized that if you excel at surrounding yourself with inspiring, ambitious people, you don’t need a top-tier university to thrive. Connections matter more than rankings. So, forget the obsession with prestige—let’s focus on building our networks and pursuing greatness wherever we are.

PS. My current university in the picture.