In his latest book, “Dream School: Finding the College that’s Right for You,” best-selling author Jeffrey Selingo maps out how students can choose colleges that are best for them.
Selingo includes Furman University in a list of “The New Dream Schools,” universities with excellent academics that are more accessible than “elite” schools.
He says there are four critical components of a dream school:
- a supportive start, like Furman’s Pathways Program,
- easy connections among people, like those Student Life provides, so students feel like they belong,
- real job experiences through internships, research and other programs tied to career paths – Furman does that through undergraduate research, the internship office, the Malone Center, our Alumni officeand other programs, and
- resources to invest in students, like summer stipends and programs like On Discourse or the career and internship fair we held last week.
In praise for Furman, which will celebrate its bicentennial in 2026, the author mentions the Pathways Program and the more than 90% participation in engaged learning, such as research, internships and study away. He also mentions that four members of the class of 2022 won Fulbright Awards, and students who landed jobs with well-known employers such as Michelin, Wells Fargo and EY.
Elizabeth Davis, president of Furman University, and Beth Pontari, Furman’s vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, were interviewed for the book.
“Jeffrey Selingo has long been a thought-leader in the higher education space, providing valuable insight for students and their families, and higher education professionals,” said Emily Schuck, vice president for enrollment management at Furman. “We are delighted that he and his team recognized the value and excellence of a Furman education. It’s an honor to be included in ‘Dream School.’”
“Dream School,” a follow-up to Selingo’s New York Times bestseller “Who Gets In and Why,” helps readers take an honest look at which colleges are best for them, and which are realistically attainable. Chapters include “Great Expectations: Why You Need a Backup Plan,” “Value Over Prestige: Skipping the Next Tier of Schools to Get a Deal,” and “Mentors Matter: Finding Colleges that Put Teaching First.”
Selingo has been a higher ed journalist and adviser to presidents and boards for 25 years.
Written by Clinton Colmenares, Senior Director of News and Media Strategy, Furman University.