Why would anyone ever go to a private school for UG?

[chrisski]

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Just kidding, I go to a small LAC and love it!

 

[Ativanigans]

I truly don't understand the logic behind this. Private school are so very expensive and often times much less know and respected than the top 20 public schools in the country. I could perhaps understand going to Harvard, Yale, etc, but even then, is it really necessary. A 4.0 and 35 MCat from a good state school will take you just as far. For example, at the start of my UG I could have gone to Duke for around 45K a year, however I opted for a top 20 public university(in the top 20 public universities, not top 20 out of all universities). Between scholarhips and being an RA, I actually profit around a thousand dollars a year. I am essentially paying 200K dollars less than the guy that goes to any sort of private school, from Harvard to a tiny LAC, and have the exact same opportunity to succeed. Why would you do that? 😕

Because a 4.0 and 35MCAT at Duke would have looked a lot better. I'm on the adcom at our school and yes, prestige matters.

 

[randombetch]

Ever hear of "financial aid?" Quite a nifty thing, it's when colleges give money to students who otherwise can't afford going to a private university. When it comes down to base cost, I'm probably paying a lot less than you (I could make $10k profit a year if I decide to work as an RA).

Here are some reasons people would go to a better school than yours:
1) Prestige
2) Lower student:faculty ratio, much more highly regarded professors, smarter graduate students to teach small classes --> better education
3) Your peers whom you will form study groups with will be smarter, the courses more difficult --> better educational experience
4) Advantage when it comes to applying to law/medical/business/graduate school and getting a job
5) Alumni connections and peer connections
6) The school can afford to have luxuries not commonly found in state schools
7) You are less likely to get screwed by not being allowed to take as many classes as you want because of class size limitations
8) Better career services/advisers to help guide you (my school's health professions advisers are incredible - definitely part of the reason we have consistently had >90% applicants get into medical school and >25% of those get into top 10 medical schools).

 

[chrisski]

Ever hear of "financial aid?" Quite a nifty thing, it's when colleges give money to students who otherwise can't afford going to a private university.

But some of us have been "cursed" with having parents that make more than 65K dollars a year, yet will not pay for any substantial amount of ones college. Being a white middle class student doesn't open up a lot of scholarships.

 

[softmed]

In some ways I agree, but there are a lot of very good private schools. There are many schools now, like Duke, that are every bit as prestigious and selective as the ivy leagues.

 

[chrisski]

Because a 4.0 and 35MCAT at Duke would have looked a lot better. I'm on the adcom at our school and yes, prestige matters.

But 200K dollars better, I think not.

 

[Ativanigans]

But some of us have been "cursed" with having parents that make more than 65K dollars a year, yet will not pay for any substantial amount of ones college. Being a white middle class student doesn't open up a lot of scholarships.

You make your own choices. Clearly Duke didnt provide the value you were looking for. But to say being from a top 10 private school offers no advantage in comparison to a middle of the road public school is being obtuse

 

[Ativanigans]

But 200K dollars better, I think not.

That's your own value judgment.

 

[randombetch]

But some of us have been "cursed" with having parents that make more than 65K dollars a year, yet will not pay for any substantial amount of ones college. Being a white middle class student doesn't open up a lot of scholarships.

Well, perhaps you should restate your question as "why would white middle class students ever go to a private school for UG?"

I updated my post to have a nice list of reasons.

 

[guyski79]

But some of us have been "cursed" with having parents that make more than 65K dollars a year, yet will not pay for any substantial amount of ones college. Being a white middle class student doesn't open up a lot of scholarships.

Actually I think the cut-off is $100,000 for a full ride (loan free) at Stanford and the Ivies. Can't comment on other private schools though.

 

[JJMrK]

Don't know. I'd never do it. Some people have parents paying their entire way, some have scholarships (merit, need, or athletic). For me, taking out loans to pay for a private undergrad was never an option.

 

[TruthHurts]

Meh. Whats 200K in the grand scheme of things? You live off ramen for an extra year after you're established.

 

[chrisski]

Ever hear of "financial aid?" Quite a nifty thing, it's when colleges give money to students who otherwise can't afford going to a private university. When it comes down to base cost, I'm probably paying a lot less than you (I could make $10k profit a year if I decide to work as an RA).

Here are some reasons people would go to a better school than yours:
1) Prestige
2) Lower student:faculty ratio, much more highly regarded professors, smarter graduate students to teach small classes --> better education
3) Your peers whom you will form study groups with will be smarter, the courses more difficult --> better educational experience
4) Advantage when it comes to applying to law/medical/business/graduate school and getting a job
5) Alumni connections and peer connections
6) The school can afford to have luxuries not commonly found in state schools
7) You are less likely to get screwed by not being allowed to take as many classes as you want because of class size limitations
8) Better career services/advisers to help guide you (my school's health professions advisers are incredible - definitely part of the reason we have consistently had >90% applicants get into medical school and >25% of those get into top 10 medical schools).

I agree with this in some respects, but good state school like in Michigan, Virginia, California, Indiana, etc, possess many of these qualities for a fraction of the cost.

I'm not expecting anyone that is attending one of these private schools to concede to my viewpoint, nor am I attempting to stir conflict, I just searching for reasons. Thanks for all of the insightful responses so far.

 

[chrisski]

Don't know. I'd never do it. Some people have parents paying their entire way, some have scholarships (merit, need, or athletic). For me, taking out loans to pay for a private undergrad was never an option.

and its even worse that the few scholarships that are given out tend to favor the latter two scholarship types you mentioned, need and athletic. there are very few merit(non-need) based scholarships at most good private schools.

 

[neuro raqs]

It's a matter of personal preference, and what you want. I'm really into research, a big private school is going to have the research opportunities and resources I'm looking for. It's less certain with a smaller private or public school. Since when I entered ug, I wanted the chance to explore different types of research, I wanted the fewest limits.

Funds also give you more freedom with extracurrics. If you want to start a club, create an event, bring in a speaker--- you can get the money to do it.

Also... many schools have changed their financial aid policies, it varies from school to school, but I know that the cut off for need based has been raised.

 

[JJMrK]

Meh. Whats 200K in the grand scheme of things? You live off ramen for an extra year after you're established.

This is a foolish way of thinking about it, IMO. Don't forget interest compounding while you are in medical school. Not to mention the fact that you'll probably take out another $200k for med school, so you're looking at $400k in principal alone by the time you're done. 😱

 

[Global Warming]

This is a foolish way of thinking about it, IMO. Don't forget interest compounding while you are in medical school. Not to mention the fact that you'll probably take out another $200k for med school, so you're looking at $400k in principal alone by the time you're done. 😱

Ouch. I think pre-meds sometimes lose sight of how much money $200,000 actually is. However, if I had the option of Harvard med or cheap state school that's good..I'd go to Harvard in a heart beat. I like prestige, but maybe that's just me. I go to a crappy nobody school and it will be nice for a change to actually be proud of where I go.

Actually, in truth, my school has been perfect and has done so much for me. Honestly, I feel that had I gone to a super tough university for UG, I wouldn't be where I am today. Guess it all works out in the end.

 

[riceman04]

I agree with this in some respects, but good state school like in Michigan, Virginia, California, Indiana, etc, possess many of these qualities for a fraction of the cost.

I'm not expecting anyone that is attending one of these private schools to concede to my viewpoint, nor am I attempting to stir conflict, I just searching for reasons. Thanks for all of the insightful responses so far.

As expected your statement highlights the positives of attending a public university. While I do agree that you can receive an education at the top UC's (Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD...kind of...LOL), UMich, Virginia, etc...comparable to highly selective private schools such as Vandy, Rice, Duke, the Old Ivy's (😉), etc..., there are several drawbacks to attending such a large university.

I decided to attend Rice b/c I received merit (non-need) scholarships, it viewed as an elite school yet is more than $10,000 cheaper than its competitors, and it is maintains an identity best defined by the combination of a liberal arts college and top tier research university atmosphere. My largest class was gen chem and we barely had 100 (at most): my smallest size class was 6. Furthermore, I had easy access to ALL of my professors...the idea of a graduate TA teaching a class was a foreign concept.

I am an MS1 at UCSD and I feel like a freaking walking barcode with no real identity. Nothing about this school gives me the impression it maintains an environment permitting people to easily establish their individual identity.

And yes...prestige matters (to an extent) when applying to med school

 

[oran berry]

[removal of personal information by yours truly]

 

[Global Warming]

As expected your statement highlights the positives of attending a public university. While I do agree that you can receive an education at the top UC's (Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD...kind of...LOL), UMich, Virginia, etc...comparable to highly selective private schools such as Vandy, Rice, Duke, the Old Ivy's (😉), etc..., there are several drawbacks to attending such a large university.

I decided to attend Rice b/c I received merit (non-need) scholarships, it viewed as an elite school yet is more than $10,000 cheaper than its competitors, and it is maintains an identity best defined by the combination of a liberal arts college and top tier research university atmosphere. My largest class was gen chem and we barely had 100 (at most): my smallest size class was 6. Furthermore, I had easy access to ALL of my professors...the idea of a graduate TA teaching a class was a foreign concept.

I am an MS1 at UCSD and I feel like a freaking walking barcode with no real identity. Nothing about this school gives me the impression it maintains an environment permitting people to easily establish their individual identity.

And yes...prestige matters (to an extent) when applying to med school

Assuming that the infomation someone posted about neurosurgeon residents is true, most of the ppl came from top-tier universities. It definitely matters.

 

[Poliscidoc]

I just liked the school (I got to a lac).. I mean I'm sure the name of my school means nothing to most people. We have around 3000 students and are in a town of 3300...


I just loved the location, the professors are really nice and if you need any kind of help they are always here to help. Maybe the question should be why not go to a lac college. I mean would the "perfect applicant" not be a well rounded college student.

My school is around 43,000 a year and although the 50,000 debt I have seems like a bunch I wouldn't trade it for some huge state school

 

[circulus vitios]

Ever hear of "financial aid?" Quite a nifty thing, it's when colleges give money to students who otherwise can't afford going to a private university.

Yeah, because that works like it should. I was accepted to a $35k/year private school. They only gave me $12k/year in free money. I was expected to pay the remaining $23k/year in student loans and my parents money. My parents make like $55k/year combined.

 

[Tatastrophy]

Why would I choose private?
-the programs that are offered are much more in tune with my interests (science and humanities get the same focus at my school)
-I never had to worry about being able to take any of my required classes...in fact I planned out my schedule freshman year and haven't had to change a single class....some of these classes only have 10 people..doubt that this is much of an option in a 20+K school
-there is certainly financial aid to white middle class students. higher ranked schools seem to be especially good in that respect. I am also holding 3 scholarships...all merit based. Oh and my school doesn't recruit athletes with moneys....only awesomeness 🙂

So why did I choose my school? Because it is giving me a well rounded education and treats me as an individual instead of 1 of 20+K...

 

[dw2158]

That's your own value judgment.

THANK you. it seems i make a post like this every month or so on SDN, but it bears repeating: money is just one thing that can be considered when choosing a school. you may think it's the most important factor, but someone else might place it much lower on their list of things to think about. and that's okay. stop making posts implying that the people who choose to go into debt are idiots and that debt is the worst thing in the world.

 

[sgtbrushes]

Social networking.

 

[TakeMe]

I got a full ride to my private UG. I would have made money (close to 6,000 bucks a year) at my school's top public school, but, imo, it was very large, had large class sizes and didn't compare to the student:faculty ratio at my undergrad and the personal attention I received. I had smaller classes, and NEVER dealt with any of the waiting, disorganization and crap that my husband dealt with at his public school.

 

[Jolt21]

i applied to 1 public UG when going through the process 6 years ago. i did public grade school and couldn't stand it.

there is a reason that the cost is higher in private school. if the school does it properly, that 200k should be going towards your education. (although i cant imagine someone actually paying 200k unless the could afford it. financial aid is beautiful. i only owed 2k a term). the resources that stem from the money are limitless. so much money to throw around for no reason. i know a kid that got 10k just to bring 3 hip-hop artists to school. ONE STUDENT got 10k for a program. granted its an extreme, but a possibility nonetheless. my fraternity gets ~8k to put on a stepshow every year. it allows for the show to be free for students. at other schools, kids have to pay. i find that ridiculous.

IMO, abundant resources = better college experience + feeling like a somebody rather than 1 of thousands per class > going for a full ride to my state school.

 

[Jolie South]

IMO, I don't know why low professor:student ratio is that big of a deal unless you're looking for a LOR. I went to one of the largest public schools in the country and I never felt slighted, quite the contrary actually. I liked being random. I didn't ever ask questions in class and mostly learned on my own. I didn't want to have to make bs comments in class for the teacher to think I was intelligent and write me a good rec.

I also wanted a school with a strong football/athletics program, since I played in marching band. Let's be honest here, that ain't happening at the Ivies.

It depends on your learning style and what you're looking for. To me, a private (at full price) would have been an enormous waste. I was offered aid, but not enough to make it worth it to me to attend a private school.

 

[armybound]

why poo-poo someone's choice of school? college is where you do a lot of growing up.. everyone wants something different out of the experience. just because you don't feel it's worth it doesn't mean it's not worth it to someone else.

I chose a private school because it was close to home, had good academics, and I wanted more face time with professors. I went to a large public high school where I felt I wasn't prepared for college because they were just pandering to the lowest denominator. I wanted more of a challenge in a more close-knit community.

I fully agree that one can be just as competitive for med school at a much lower cost at a public school, but some people view college as more than just preparation for your career.

 

[BBender716]

The only reason that I didn't go to private school for UG was that I got rejected from 7 of them. 🙁

...but got into med school so I'm fine with it 😎 lol

 

[DirtyJustice]

Financial Aid. Financial Aid. Financial Aid. Financial Aid.

It costs less for me to go to a private school than it would have for my state schools.

2) A majority of my classes have been taught with less than 20 students in the class. The entire class not just a recitation section.

3) Only people with PhDs teach the class. There are no student teachers.

3 excellent reasons why a private schools is better. Get off you high horse.

 

[Jolie South]

Financial Aid. Financial Aid. Financial Aid. Financial Aid.

It costs less for me to go to a private school than it would have for my state schools.

2) A majority of my classes have been taught with less than 20 students in the class. The entire class not just a recitation section.

3) Only people with PhDs teach the class. There are no student teachers.

3 excellent reasons why a private schools is better. Get off you high horse.

This was true at my public school too.

 

[Tatastrophy]

The only reason that I didn't go to private school for UG was that I got rejected from 7 of them. 🙁

Thats ridic!
But you are going to be a doctor -so the joke is on them! 🙂

 

[armybound]

Also, some people have caught on to the fact that a very good public school is a better financial choice than a private school and they all apply there. I'm pretty sure the University of Texas is one of the hardest schools to get into in Texas, right behind Rice(?).

I'm sure you wouldn't just assume your application to Cal Berkeley is going be accepted.

 

[Jolie South]

Also, some people have caught on to the fact that a very good public school is a better financial choice than a private school and they all apply there. I'm pretty sure the University of Texas is one of the hardest schools to get into in Texas, right behind Rice(?).

I'm sure you wouldn't just assume your application to Cal Berkeley is going be accepted.

Based on sheer number of applications, I'd say yea. Unless you're top 10% of your high school class and get an automatic acceptance (state law), it's really difficult these days.

 

[BBender716]

Thats ridic!
But you are going to be a doctor -so the joke is on them! 🙂

Thanks, Tata! You rock. 🙂

 

[Tatastrophy]

Thanks, Tata! You rock. 🙂

🙂 well, I only said the truth!

 

[Moose A Moose]

I agree with randombetch. Also, 90% of us are going to owe money anyway, in some way, for a very long time. ..and I've found the mindset of the student body and coursework/lecture ability/lab conditions of their public (state) school to be a joke. (again, not all- general)

 

[StormingWynn]

I agree with this in some respects, but good state school like in Michigan, Virginia, California, Indiana, etc, possess many of these qualities for a fraction of the cost.

I'm not expecting anyone that is attending one of these private schools to concede to my viewpoint, nor am I attempting to stir conflict, I just searching for reasons. Thanks for all of the insightful responses so far.

Like the entire nation lives in those select states that offer great public schools.

 

[Dr McSexy]

Here are some reasons people would go to a better school than yours:

Maybe I'll just assume that you meant private schools in general. But maybe not. Maybe you're only thinking of the Top private unis.

1) Prestige

I'll give you that as a reason. At least, if you are talking about the top private unis. There are plenty of people who pay a pretty penny to go to a small LAC of some sort.

2) Lower student:faculty ratio, much more highly regarded professors, smarter graduate students to teach small classes --> better education

I think small class sizes are a little overrated. I've been in class sizes ranging from 12 people to class sizes of 300 people. To be honest, I like a little mixture of both. Out of all my class sizes, the 30-40 people classes have been my favorite, which has the been the majority of my classes. Aside from my labs, professors have all taught my classes.

Speaking of professors, how many of those highly regarded professors, became highly regarded because of their teaching ability? If because of research/publications, why do you think they give you a better education because of that? Out of all the professors that I've had, the professors/instructors, who did not do research were the better ones. The ones who had done research, could maybe add some to what the current research is, but they were not better delivering the material in most cases.

I'll give you that when it comes time for fishing for a LOR, the adcom committee might care a little bit.

3) Your peers whom you will form study groups with will be smarter, the courses more difficult --> better educational experience

Sure maybe, maybe not. Unless you've attended another institution, it's hard to gauge if the actual courses are harder.

4) Advantage when it comes to applying to law/medical/business/graduate school and getting a job
5) Alumni connections and peer connections

I'll give you both of these to an extent.

6) The school can afford to have luxuries not commonly found in state schools

Such as? I would assume that if attended a state flagship school, you might have some of the same luxuries (but I don't know what you are referring to). But maybe not a smaller state school, but you probably wouldn't get that at a small private uni or LAC either.

7) You are less likely to get screwed by not being allowed to take as many classes as you want because of class size limitations

I'll give you that it probably happens a lot more on the public level. But I get priority scheduling, so what do I know?

8) Better career services/advisers to help guide you (my school's health professions advisers are incredible - definitely part of the reason we have consistently had >90% applicants get into medical school and >25% of those get into top 10 medical schools).

Cool.

Why would anyone go to private over public?

Personal preference in my opinion. You gave a bunch of valid reasons, that may or may not hold true to public unis. It's what people value in those reasons.

Honestly, I suspect that many people who go to a top private uni, had great scores, ECs, etc. to get there and are more likely to continue to do those ECs and make those great scores that either going to place you in a top medical school or a medical school in general.

 

[Jolt21]

This was true at my public school too.

find stats across the US. you will find that for the majority of them, this is not true.

you have to keep in mind that public schools are not the same everywhere (much like grade school). it's basically separated by "zoning" (read:states). my options for public schools was much worse than someone from Cali, so it was beneficial for me to go private.

 

[Parts Unknown]

Assuming that the infomation someone posted about neurosurgeon residents is true, most of the ppl came from top-tier universities. It definitely matters.

I believe you are referring to the thread where someone linked the resident profiles for neurosurgery at MGH. That it happens to be one of the most competitive residencies in one of the most famous hospitals in the nation will, of course, lend itself to the trainees having insanely good pedigrees.

For comparison, however, I randomly selected neurosurgery at a solid but more remote academic center: Wake Forest. Let's see where the residents attended medical school:

Jefferson Medical College
Medical College of Georgia (x2)
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Oklahoma College of Medicine
University of North Dakota
University of Tennessee
University of Toledo
Wake Forest University (x2)

No doubt these are all people with exemplary academic records, which leads me to (re)state the obvious truth of the situation:

If you want to be a neurosurgeon, go to any domestic allopathic medical school and perform. If you want to be a neurosurgeon from MGH, then you should shoot for a top-tier school and perform. It's all about personal goals.

 

[Jolie South]

find stats across the US. you will find that for the majority of them, this is not true.

you have to keep in mind that public schools are not the same everywhere (much like grade school). it's basically separated by "zoning" (read:states). my options for public schools was much worse than someone from Cali, so it was beneficial for me to go private.

You stated that as a reason one should go to a private school and that public schools didn't offer PhD professors. Well, I was just pointing out that my experience was different and that simply by being a public school the quality of my education didn't suffer.

I never claimed that all public schools were equal, but rather that sometimes the quality of education is equivalent to what's offered at private schools.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

uh senior year i got my entire tuition free based purely on need at my fancy schmancy 'unnecessary' private school. can you understand that?

 

[armybound]

You stated that as a reason one should go to a private school and that public schools didn't offer PhD professors. Well, I was just pointing out that my experience was different and that simply by being a public school the quality of my education didn't suffer.

I never claimed that all public schools were equal, but rather that sometimes the quality of education is equivalent to what's offered at private schools.

we're also comparing TOP publics to average privates. should we bust out some information on UT-Pan Am or UT-Tyler and compare them to TCU, SMU, etc?

like I said, top publics are competitive to get into, but they also offer what a lot of the privates offer: prestige, top-quality academics, top-quality students, networking opportunities, etc. Just because UT has 40,000 students doesn't mean it's not a great school. The fact that it's public (=cheap) just makes it that much better.

Compare the same facts on class size, lecturer degrees, etc to your average public school and you may get a different picture.

either way (not directed at you), insulting/questioning someone's choice in school is a pretty low blow, imo. It's a very personal choice that people are very proud of.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I'm with McSexy's post above. I don't know why people associate private schools with prestige and tons of cash oozing from every department. There are tons of private schools nobody has ever heard of. From what I was told by admissions departments when applying, the perceived quality of your school does make a difference but is a fairly small factor. The student:teacher ratio is a bogus argument, in my opinion, for the reasons Jolie mentioned. Small classes seem to bring out the pre-med obnoxiousness more than usual since everyone in the class knows each other. Also, the only classes I had at UNC with tons of people in them were the intro-level ones. Everything else was 20-25 students at the most.

I suspect that many people who go to a top private uni, had great scores, ECs, etc. to get there and are more likely to continue to do those ECs and make those great scores that either going to place you in a top medical school or a medical school in general.

This concept is the key to top-tier schools placing lots of people in med school. When you only take the most successful high school students, chances are you're going to graduate some of the most successful college students. The same applies to med school.

either way, insulting/questioning someone's choice in school is a pretty low blow, imo. It's a very personal choice that people are very proud of.

True, but it wouldn't hurt for people to be realistic about their school choices. That, of course, would include a sound appraisal of your school rather than "better students means a better education" crap that gets tossed around occasionally. College is what you make of it. To say with certainty that one choice is better than another is totally naive, regardless of which side you're coming from.

 

[chrisski]

THANK you. it seems i make a post like this every month or so on SDN, but it bears repeating: money is just one thing that can be considered when choosing a school. you may think it's the most important factor, but someone else might place it much lower on their list of things to think about. and that's okay. stop making posts implying that the people who choose to go into debt are idiots and that debt is the worst thing in the world.

Please refrain from making these foolish, obnoxious, and derogatory comments. I previously stated that I respect the decisions that people make, but am curious to their motivation. This thread has been very insightful. Your belligerence is unnecessary.

 

[Jolie South]

we're also comparing TOP publics to average privates. should we bust out some information on UT-Pan Am or UT-Tyler and compare them to TCU, SMU, etc?

like I said, top publics are competitive to get into, but they also offer what a lot of the privates offer: prestige, top-quality academics, top-quality students, networking opportunities, etc. Just because UT has 40,000 students doesn't mean it's not a great school. The fact that it's public (=cheap) just makes it that much better.

Compare the same facts on class size, lecturer degrees, etc to your average public school and you may get a different picture.

either way (not directed at you), insulting/questioning someone's choice in school is a pretty low blow, imo. It's a very personal choice that people are very proud of.

I definitely agree with you. I'd go to SMU or TCU over Texas State or any of the publics you mentioned based on academics alone. The aid package would probably affect my choice though. The privates (of the same caliber) I applied to offered me next to nothing, so that would be a hard choice for me to make.

Looking at debt from the other side (I went to a "fancy private" grad school that cost me $36,000 for one year), I'm not sure it was worth it for a degree that's not terminal. That's just my opinion, and I'm sure everyone feels differently about it.

 

[chrisski]

Also, some people have caught on to the fact that a very good public school is a better financial choice than a private school and they all apply there. I'm pretty sure the University of Texas is one of the hardest schools to get into in Texas, right behind Rice(?).

I'm sure you wouldn't just assume your application to Cal Berkeley is going be accepted.

I agree, some coastal publics schools are becoming difficult. However, this is not the case in the widwest.

 

[armybound]

Please refrain from making these foolish, obnoxious, and derogatory comments. I previously stated that I respect the decisions that people make, but am curious to their motivation. This thread has been very insightful. Your belligerence is unnecessary.

I dunno, your thread title and several other comments sound a little derogatory as well. Why would anyone ever go to a private school? $200k better, I think not?

Your future classmates and coworkers may have also chosen a private school. Is this how you're going to treat them?