Author Malcolm Gladwell told podcast audiences that students seeking science and math degrees should avoid elite institutions like Harvard unless they can rank near the top of their class. Gladwell framed the point around the 'big fish, little pond' effect—arguing that being surrounded by peers at the highest academic tier increases the risk of academic failure and dropout in rigorous STEM programs. The remark has immediate implications for admissions counselors, career advisers, and enrollment managers as universities calibrate yield strategies and student success interventions.