[Student Reporters] Leading Causes of Disappointment in College Found in Illusory Motive]

With college acceptance at its lowest in history students engage in a competitive race towards college admittance. They are often blinded by the motivation to win the race than to walk the first step to their future career.

"I feel like people are trying to get into the top schools because they know it's the best. But at the same time most of them don't realize what they're getting themselves into" said Junior Julie Pineda. Students are often overwhelmed by the undue pressure to apply to the prestigious schools but fail to realize that their choice may not be the most assuring for them.

Although students themselves may not recognize such danger immediately spectators are eager to tell those students that their college decision based on reputation may fail them at times: "A lot of students have in their mind that they are going to an 'elite' school regardless of major but you want to choose a school that would fit you and your major" said Terri Wilcox the career center advisor at Santiago High School.

Wilcox continued to warn that students must consider the city environment the ethnic and cultural background and most of all the student interaction within campus to base their college choices in order to succeed in the first step to college and future career as a whole.

Amid all the fiery competition to get into the top schools some still choose to apply to schools of their "true interest": "I chose Howard [University] because I was offered a few scholarships to that school for tennis but also because I liked the predominantly black atmosphere as a black student myself" said Senior Yazmine Hooper.

Others arduously search for the schools with the best programs for their major. "I really want to major in neuroscience so it's hard for me to find the right college. But I think it's worth it because even though the school may not be so famous I will be receiving the best education [for my major]" said Pineda.

Despite much public disapproval of prestige-based college choices there exists a consensus among many that the top schools should nevertheless retain their reputation.Junior Susie Choi said "Reputation of a school represents the students' character and ability so it's a good way for future job interviewers to see your capability."

Wilcox also added "Your chances of becoming a prominent lawyer or doctor are often a lot greater if you are a graduate of Harvard than say an unknown state college."

Perhaps it is not the reputation of the schools that must be deemphasized but the students' dependence on those factors to base their college decision.