<p>So I want to go into advertising and public relations. I got into the university of Missouri journalism school. That is arguably the top j-school with a great program for PR and advertising. So I also got into my the university of Michigan and IU. Money isnt an issue for any school. If I know I want to go into PR and advertising, would it it be better for me to go into a top 3 program at Mizzou or a top 25 school at UMich?</p>
<p>That is a tough choice. Usually, I would say pick the better school, because your plans might change–after all, there are many subjects you will be exposed to in college that you now know little or nothing about. I would think that a degree from Michigan with a good portfolio of writing clips from student and other publications/media <em>might</em> take you further in advertising/PR…if that is what you really end up wanting to do. And a Michigan degree might offer you more flexibility down the road. Do you have any contacts in the industry you can consult? How about calling some agencies that specialize in placing advertising/PR people in NY/Chicago/LA and asking them what they look for in entry-level candidates?</p>
<p>I would say to go to the school you like best and wring every opportunity out of whichever school you pick. Even if Mizzou’s J school is more highly rated, that doesn’t mean a similar program at one of these other schools will not afford you all kinds of opportunities. Similarly, even if Michigan is the most highly rated school of the bunch, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be able to get an exceptional education at IU or Mizzou. I’m not one to say the ratings are meaningless in the aggregate. But when it comes down to one person’s choice between three rock-solid options, my opinion is that the best school is the one that most appeals to you academically, socially and (yes) even geographically.</p>
<p>The industry the OP refers to is all about networking, contacts and alumni…my D had a similar choice to make in 2008; her higher rated school and little to no curriculum in adv/PR vs one of the top rated programs in the country</p>
<p>she is graduating from the better program in June; already has had 2 paid internships (alumni driven) and has 6 interviews set up for full time employment along with an interest from the firm she worked last summer…</p>
<p>I do not want to comment on the schools presented here…you might want to try to find students in the respective schools to inquire…</p>
<p>I’m confused though because I know umich is a better school but the j-school at mizzou is tops in the country. Wouldn’t someone look at a degree from mizzou j school be better than a top school but not top program?</p>
<p>Exactly what I am saying…sorry if it was confusing</p>