And just who is Orson Scott Card to make such a all inclusive prediction as the best school for everyone. This is a pointless discussion, folks.

There is some reality to deal with too. For example, undergraduate degrees are not freebies. They're very expensive. So it's best to not waste that money exploring but getting in and out as soon as you can. Second, the quality of the school does matter, especially for getting into graduate school, which Card admits is important. Third, you should pick a profession you love, but you have to be smart too. If you love children and want to have eight of them, and being with your children makes you happy instead of working 60 hours at two jobs to make ends meet, then you need to pick a profession where you can make enough money. Maybe it's not your biggest, most passionate preference, but if it brings you the happiness in your life from being able to have and enjoy the family you want, then maybe it's the best choice.

I have a sibling who majored in Finance. Guess what? She can't find a job and works as a CNA, and is not very happy about it. Choosing a good profession DOES matter.

I agree with Mr. Card you shouldn't chase the $, but .....

Brother Card brings up very valid-and valuable points to ponder deeply.These decisions,taken in youth,have far reaching consequences.I think kids should go to the SMALLEST college they can manage,if it has enough programs.The school Brother Card is affiliated with is simply the best in the country-if one can afford it.My boys could afford it thanks to a number of piles of money to dip into,most coming from being in the Guard.Still,that took two trips to Iraq in consequence,but the place is paradise.I WISH there had been a place like SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIV.when I was young and fresh-instead of that giant place in Happy Valley.My boys love Brother Card,found him to be a superior teacher and mentor.

"Besides, meal-ticket education is, in some important ways, not an education at all.

Training for a particular career, right from the start, rather defeats the purpose of a college education.

The idea is to broaden your mind. To learn things you were so ignorant of that you didn't realize they were worth learning."

Most time when I read Card "I learn things that were not worth learning".

Perhaps he too should have opted for a meal ticket education, instead of condescending to accept money for whatever it is he does.

Sign me: One who is extremely grateful there are some fathers/husbands in this world who are more interested in the support of, and well being of those they love, than in their own self-important, self-centered, self-aggrandizing, self-ish interests.

Of course BYU is the best, if you are mormon. Outside of being mormon it is up for grabs, unless you are anit-mormon then it is Utah!

Really: I really enjoyed both USU and Wyoming. I have a great career. How did that happen without going to BYU?

You're deeply confused. I'm Mormon, went to BYU and the U. I like the U better. It suited me and it had the programs I wanted. Plus I was going to school to learn, not to find a husband.

Oh and I could give you a long list of Mormons who went elsewhere as well as a long list of non anti-Mormons that went to the U.

People and their stupid comments. Good grief.

I was an English major because I loved literature. I paid for my own schooling, all of it, by working my way through. I'm very happy that I majored in English, I learned writing, literature, history, philosopy, logic, and even grammar, but I'm in my 50s now and looking back, I do wish I had moved on to a graduate school for more specific education. I've had lucrative 6-figure career in sales and I use my education many times each day. I would say that the best schools, like the best individual classes, have teachers with time for, and interest in, their individual students. As for Mr. Card, I have been enriched by his thinking and experession, whether I've read his books, articles, or editorials. He's made a good living for his family by doing what he loves. He's also contributed unknowingly to my life and the lives of my family members. I'd like to accomplish so much myself. I hope Anonymous @11.46 can find a more satisfying path in life; he's obviously angry about the one he's chosen so far.