As I write my boys are 15, 10, and 8. For the oldest graduation is right around the corner and I find myself thinking about what comes next. The decision is ultimately theirs, but I want to be able to provide them with good counsel. Though I went to college 20 years ago and am moderately successful I find myself struggling what to tell them.

Sure, if you get into Harvard you’ll probably be alright, but even then that’s not a golden ticket. I remember a joint MIT-Harvard even a year or so ago where a speaker pointed out—rightly—that getting into Harvard is the high point of some people’s lives. I want better for my sons.

But if Harvard isn’t a sure thing, what is? Probably nothing, but spenidng oyur time on the right thigns when you’re young is a good bet.

Still, a decision ahs to be made, so how to compare the schools?

:wq