Reply to Pros and Cons of Top 10 SLAC vs State Flagship Honors Program

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]You're better off going to the school with better name recognition. No one will know or care that you did honors at UMD. They'll be impressed that you went to Williams though.[/quote]

Most people, including employers in NOVA, have heard more about UMD than Williams. Sorry, but it's true. [/quote]

Most people who hire undergrads have heard of both and are going to look at far more than school name when making their decision, like work experience (if any) and GPA.  Generally, but not exclusively, I find that grads of state schools have better work experience but grads of SLACs have impressive internship experience.

OP, one factor to consider is how many students graduate in 4 vs. 5 years.  Most LACs of all stripes have a 4 year time to degree with very, VERY few exceptions (and that 4 years isn't supplemented with summer classes).  State schools can really run the gamut.  It doesn't necessarily equalize the cost difference, but it can be a factor.

I attended a SLAC and went to a state flagship for grad school. Prior to attending the public, I would have said SLAC every time.  BUT, I found that truly exceptional students could really thrive in the public setting -- but, they really did have to be exceptional.  I definitely met smarter undergrads at my grad school alma mater than I did at my SLAC, but I'd say that the average quality of student work was significantly higher at my SLAC.  Additionally, the SLAC culture brings more students "up" and the public uni culture tends to bring bright and willing students up but leaves behind those who are less motivated.  Additionally, social maturity matters.  I was socially immature when I started college, and the closer knit SLAC environment worked better for me.  But students with a bit more life experience wouldn't necessarily need that. [/quote]

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