Reply to how to factor grad school possibilities into undergrad decisions

Forum Index » College and University Discussion

Reply to "how to factor grad school possibilities into undergrad decisions"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Do not go to the best undergrad program you get into. Go one level below. Shine. Get top grades and some research experience. This is better than graduating as a top quartile student from a top undergrad program. Unless you expect to be at the very top (top 1-3) of the high ranked program. Education quality is top notch in most top 100 schools in the US. [/quote]

This is an interesting take on this issue. So many people assume you almost HAVE to attend the highest-rated school you get into, but that almost ensures that you won’t be one of the top students at your school.

The “go one level below” approach might not work for everyone or every major, but it certainly seems like a smart move for some people & some majors.

For example, it would seem like a good strategy if the student is prone to feeling overwhelmed, wants to double major, has a medical issue that might involve missing some class sessions, etc. Or if the kid’s major or future plans make the institution’s prestige is fairly irrelevant (nursing, accounting, pre-med, pre-law, etc.).

This approach also dovetails with the recent blasphemous inclination of some kids choosing non-elite out-of-state public schools that are fun & affordable due to merit aid. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics