<p>Good point Pierre…Like the kid from Cornell at my consulting firm…As it turns out…not the sharpest knife in the drawer…and that fact was definitely noticed by senior management. </p>
<p>And it still comes down to interviewing skills as well. A top engineering student at UIUC could be socially backward (thats probably not going to happen at the ivies where an interview and good recs are necessary for admission). However, a top engineering student at UIUC who also happens to have great interpersonal and communication skills is destined for great things OUTSIDE the engineering world if thats what (s)he desires. </p>
<p>bottom line: no, its not going to matter too much in the long run where you go as long as you’ve got the right skill set which includes superb interpersonal skills and intellect. A challenging program with a good reputation is a must, however, IMHO.</p>