text: is it worth trying hard in high school to get into an ivy league? i am working my butt off and stressing a lot. i want to go to yale, from those who have gone to high end universities or college in general and now are in the work force, does it matter? i really want to go for the atmosphere but is it worth it? if you have a chance to go to an "elite" school do so.  i went to columbia university in new york city and it has helped me immensely - at the very least it has helped when employers looked at my resume.  don't worry about going into debt to your eyeballs...with an ivy league degree you'll be able to pay the debts off.  you only live once - keep working hard and good luck.  if you need a good sat tutor drop me a line :p