the general idea/ulterior motive

well, think of it this way, you're not that attractive, darling, so your chances of marrying a "charming, humorous, chivalrous, intelligent" man is less than one percent. so there's only one thing to do, and that would be to study harder for the SATs, get into some fabulously prestigious university, make enough money, and buy yourself happiness. for those who say that happiness can't be bought, they're either not rich enough or not creative enough. you, my dear, are creative enough, you just need to be rich. two twins can sit in a bar, and if one said "i attend harvard university (and will probably make zillions)" versus her sister who says "i attend mission college" the boy is going to pick the former because she guarantees a good life, and intellectual conversations.
besides that, just saying i attend harvard makes you ten times more attractive. beauty fades, but harvard will always be prestigious, and will always be attractive.