Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite

Excellent Sheep examines the culture and outcomes of elite higher education in America, focusing on prestigious institutions like the Ivy League. The book draws from William Deresiewicz's experience teaching at Yale and his observations of students at top universities. The narrative follows the path of high-achieving students from their pressure-cooker high school years through college and into their early careers. Deresiewicz documents the intense competition, credential-collecting, and conformist behaviors that characterize modern elite education. Through research and firsthand accounts, the book analyzes how these educational institutions shape students' choices, values, and sense of self. The author explores the costs - both personal and societal - of a system that prioritizes achievement over learning and status over growth. The work raises fundamental questions about the purpose of education and success in American society. It challenges readers to consider how elite institutions might better serve their students and the broader public good.

Readers appreciate Deresiewicz's critique of elite education's focus on resume-building and credentialism over actual learning. Many agree with his observations about student anxiety, perfectionism, and risk-aversion. Reviews frequently mention the book validates their own experiences at top universities. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear analysis of systemic issues in higher education - Personal anecdotes from students - Discussion of college admissions pressure - Exploration of what education should accomplish Common criticisms: - Solutions offered are impractical - Overly negative tone - Too focused on Ivy League schools - Repetitive arguments - Dismissive of STEM fields Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) Multiple readers note the first half analyzing problems is stronger than the second half proposing fixes. As one Amazon reviewer wrote: "Excellent diagnosis of the disease, less compelling prescription for the cure."

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🎓 William Deresiewicz taught at Yale for ten years before writing this book, giving him an insider's perspective on elite education and its challenges. 📚 The book's title "Excellent Sheep" comes from a description by a former Yale professor who called his students "superb sheep" - high achievers who follow predetermined paths without questioning them. 💭 The author's criticism of elite education sparked significant debate when the book's core ideas first appeared in his 2008 American Scholar essay "The Disadvantages of an Elite Education." 🏫 The book reveals that students from the top 1% of the income scale are 77 times more likely to attend an Ivy League school than students from the bottom 20%. 🔄 After publication, many elite universities began addressing issues raised in the book, including Yale's decision to reform its mental health services and Harvard's efforts to encourage more students to study humanities.