<p>It would be nice to say that where you went to college doesn't matter, but in many cases that simply isn't true. I entered academia, so my story is different. However, when many of my friends (also graduates of my alma mater) were interviewing for their "prestigious" banking/consulting, etc jobs, many were told that the companies ONLY accepted applications from five or ten specific colleges. Because they were graduates of my school, they had a chance. The most amazing applicant ever from somewhere else even couldn't get a read. It's disgusting, but it happens. Obviously that is not true of all or most companies, but it happens. </p>
<p>In the long run, work experience and performance matter infinitely more than the name on your diploma, but in terms of getting that first job...the name on the diploma will definitely get you a leg up. A lot of it has to do with perceived prestige, but it's also about perceived competence. MOST people out of college don't get jobs directly related to their major, but employers assume that graduates from top schools are basically capable of getting assigned tasks done in an acceptable manner. Obviously, the odds of a graduate from any other school have the same performance are the same...but we still live in a country of prestige whores.</p>
<p>It also depends, however, on where you want to work. If you want to get a local job, going to the state school will be more than adequate...arguably even preferred. My above comments relate more to jobs in "major" cities that are recruiting from all over.</p>
<p>I'm not going to list them because some people on this board get overly obsessed about a small number of schools, but I am sure you can imagine which schools are likely on the list.</p>
<p>Obviously it varies by specific job, company, etc.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm not going to list them because some people on this board get overly obsessed about a small number of schools, but I am sure you can imagine which schools are likely on the list.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Probably all Ivies, plus MIT, Stanford, and maybe Caltech. Maybe some others like Oxford and Cambridge, IMO</p>
<p>The School obviously matters a lot in terms of both how others see you and you see yourself. Saying your college doesn't matter is one of those idiot-stories meant to try to make people feel better</p>
<p>uhm it helps for the first few years right after you come out of college. coming from a better college/college good in the major you selected will increase your chances of finding a better job or wahtever it is you want to do, but it still doesnt guarantee anything</p>
<p>in the great scheme of things, where you go to college doesn't matter. My friend's mother, who went to Yale, does some small editing jobs from home, but beyond that, doesn't work. His father, who went to SUNY Binghamton, is a successful owner of a printing center. An Ivy League degree (or degree from any prestigious school for that matter) does not guarantee one's success. Sure it looks good, but it doesn't automatically place you into a high-paying job.</p>
<p>Also, the most important thing you should get out of college is the experience. In the long run, if you apply to the schools that are right for you, you will end up having a great experience wherever you go. Don't fret over whether or not you end up at a prestigious school because if you do the right thing, you will be successful anyways.</p>