A "Dream School," by Design

According to Selingo, a "dream school" is a college where students feel supported, intellectually challenged and well prepared for what comes next. Instead of focusing on how colleges choose students, Selingo turns the lens around — helping students and families think more intentionally about where they'll thrive.

To shape his list, he analyzed national data on student engagement and outcomes from organizations including HEA Group, Bain & Company, the National Survey of Student Engagement and the Burning Glass Institute, and surveyed more than 3,500 parents. The schools that made the cut, he writes, combine strong results with accessible admissions and meaningful student experiences — qualities HWS alumni know well.

In Dream School, Selingo points to HWS' track record of career success as a key reason for its inclusion. He notes that HWS graduates go on to work at organizations such as Fidelity Investments and Morgan Stanley, and that those pursuing medicine see particularly strong results: 80 percent of HWS applicants are accepted to medical school — nearly twice the national average.

That success reflects HWS' hands-on, personal approach to career preparation — something students continue to recognize. Students described Career Services as "extremely supportive," with one adding that it provides "everything a student could need to be successful in a job interview."

Selingo also highlighted HWS' strong "Affordable Return on Investment," noting that graduates' earnings align well with the net cost of attendance a decade after enrollment — a measure that speaks to long-term value, not just first jobs.

Service and civic engagement are woven into daily life at HWS, and that commitment has earned national recognition as well. The Princeton Review recently ranked HWS No. 3 in the nation for Most Engaged Community Service, based on how strongly students agree that their peers are actively involved in giving back.

"Each student contributes their time and energy to support the well-being of those around us," one student shared. "It's just part of the culture here."

Perhaps the most consistent praise for HWS centers on the student experience itself. The Wall Street Journal ranked HWS No. 4 in the nation for student experience, a distinction Selingo calls out in Dream School as a reflection of HWS' commitment to personalized education and global engagement.

A dream school is also a place where students pursue excellence in all they do. Hobart and William Smith Athletics now claims a national championship in five different sports — proof that the same drive students bring to the classroom shows up on the field, the lake and the rink.