Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, DAVID AND GOLIATH has an interesting viewpoint regarding one’s choice of instituions for pursuing higher education. He suggests being a
” big fish in a little pond” yields better results than the other way around. Being in the top third of your class breeds esteem, whereas being in the lower third (albeit a third with fine students) often discourages those who are always looking up at those who out-perform them.
I don’t remember a lot said at some 45 commencement speeches I attended.   One statement I do remember was that the best way to become educated America was in good small colleges in America.   Gladwell further acknowledges that even at some of our very best schools, exceptions are made. And often these exceptions are given to athletes. And while many exceptions are given  “…thinking we are doing them a favor”, he suggests maybe the results are not the outcomes we would want.
Having been involved in college athletics for some forty plus years,  Gladwell makes one ask questions, since so many exceptions go to athletes. Are we putting these youngsters into situations they cannot they cannot function or feel positive in?
The real value of athletics lies in the lessons learned therein. Doesn’t the student have to be capable of, and willing to learn the lessons? Choosing the right school seems critical to marginal students and athletes.