Universities: A Valuable Investment for the Right Mindset, Not a Complete Waste of Time

Frequently, we hear people assert that universities are a total waste of time and money, suggesting that self-learning is a more effective approach. These individuals often feel that their education has been a fruitless endeavor due to misguided expectations. They may have anticipated being handed complex ideas on a silver platter through weekly three-hour lectures, only to later discover that tutorial-style teaching methods provided the spoon-feeding they had initially sought. While it is true that some universities come with hefty price tags, obtaining a degree from an Ivy League institution is not a prerequisite for success. Ultimately, what matters is attending a university with a reputable faculty, solid infrastructure, and a secure environment.

So, what sets prestigious "tier-1" universities apart from the rest?

1. Access to knowledge? All universities boast libraries filled with a wealth of information. Exclusive libraries are not reserved for top-tier institutions.

2. Quality of teaching? As long as a professor holds a PhD in their field, the essence of the subject matter remains consistent. Moreover, many professors engage in peer-reviewing the work and teaching of their colleagues.

3. Employment prospects? Employers seldom place significant emphasis on an applicant's alma mater. If they do, it typically carries little weight in the selection process.

4. Assignments and projects? The coursework for top universities is often publicly accessible on their websites.

So why do some students invest vast sums of money to attend elite universities? The answer lies in the competitive atmosphere fostered by these institutions. Students at these schools have worked tirelessly to gain admission, experiencing failure along the way. They arrive with a determined mindset, prepared to immerse themselves in their studies and leverage the time they have by engaging with their professors. The belief that these universities provide an unparalleled educational experience drives up their value.

The low acceptance rate further enhances the illusion of an “elite” community that is exclusive to only a few universities.

But now the internet has leveled the play field. There are many free communities in kaggle, discord, github where people from many universities work together on tech projects. You don’t need to be a part of these “tier-1” universities to work with their students.

Now that we have leveled the playing field among universities, one can attend a respectable institution for $18,000 per year. Whether this investment is worthwhile ultimately depends on an individual's attitude toward their education.

Universities foster an environment in which like-minded individuals can form communities and learn collaboratively. Surrounded by peers who share their experiences and interests, students can work together to tackle challenges.

The opportunity to consult with an expert in one's field for several hours each week is a valuable resource that is often taken for granted. Many students only take advantage of this during times of academic struggle, rather than fully utilizing the opportunities provided.

If a student is fortunate enough to engage in research with an expert, they can work on real-world projects, either individually or in groups, receive guidance from the expert, and even earn compensation for their efforts. This is a golden opportunity not to be overlooked.

Most of us waste our time in universities by confining ourselves to a small group whereas we can meet lots of people. Get to know about them, learn their experiences and create an audience for your future projects. No matter what your product may be, you need to sell it to humans.

The quote “The product sells itself” is only valid if you have some audience to notice it. You need to make a name out of yourself before you graduate. You need to be that guy everyone can recognize when they see you again promoting your product years later.