Malcolm Gladwell: “Don’t Go to Harvard for a STEM Degree — Be a Big Fish in a Smaller Pond”
Best-selling author and journalist **Malcolm Gladwell** is urging young people to rethink the conventional wisdom that attending an elite university like Harvard is the best path to success — especially if you’re pursuing a **science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM)** degree. Instead, he advises picking a school where you can excel academically and stand out from your peers.
Quick Insight:
Gladwell’s guidance doesn’t dismiss elite universities outright — but he warns that being surrounded by equally high-achieving students can make success harder to sustain if you’re not near the top of your class.
1. Why Gladwell Says “Don’t Go to Harvard”
• Gladwell argues that if you end up in the **bottom half of your class at a place like Harvard**, you may struggle academically and even risk dropping out, particularly in demanding STEM programmes.
• He suggests that students should choose a university where they are likely to be among the **top performers** — not merely one with the most prestigious name.
• In other words, **being a “big fish in a smaller pond”** can build confidence and persistence more than struggling to keep up with elite peers.
2. Big Fish in a Little Pond
• This idea is rooted in what Gladwell calls the **“big fish in a little pond” phenomenon** — the psychological boost and academic confidence students get when they perform well relative to those around them.
• According to this view, success is not only about intelligence or raw ability, but also about **relative standing** within your peer group and how that affects persistence and motivation.
• Attending a school where you thrive can help you maintain momentum, finish your degree, and build long-term confidence.
3. Choosing the Right School for You
• Gladwell recommends that students consider whether they have a realistic shot at being in the **top quarter of their class** if they choose an elite school.
• If that’s unlikely, a less competitive institution might put them in a better position to excel and enjoy academic success.
• He also argues that **completing a degree** and building confidence matter more than attending a highly ranked institution just for prestige.
4. A Call for Changing Hiring Practices
• Gladwell extends his advice to employers, urging them to hire **top students from any school** rather than prioritising applicants solely from elite universities.
• He believes that hiring based on individual performance and class rank — regardless of the institution’s name — would lead to better outcomes.
• This perspective challenges companies to rethink how they assess talent and to focus on **actual achievement over prestige**.
Final Thoughts
Malcolm Gladwell’s advice reminds students that **opportunity isn’t only found at elite universities** — and that thriving as a learner often matters more than simply attending a famous school. By choosing an environment where you can perform well, stay motivated, and complete your degree, you may set yourself up for a stronger academic journey and later career success.
Tip: When evaluating college choices, consider **your likelihood of thriving academically** — not just a university’s ranking — and aim for a setting where you can be confident and engaged in your field of study.
