<p>I think there are evidence that where you attend college, but does that apply to grad school, in my case, PhD in science? </p>
<p>I think I got somewhat obsessive lately, thinking of getting a PhD outside of a undefined list (not listed by USNews rankings) would mean and cause mediocrity... [/ranting]</p>
<p>Generally, the school where you get your science PhD, or any graduate degree for that matter,is significantly more important than is your undergrad. This is particularly so if you plan on entering high-level academia or high level industrial research. It is extremely difficult to get a tenure-track academic position at a top school if your PhD is from a no-name school.</p>
<p>Now, if you're just happy with being an academic at a no-name school or taking regular industry jobs afterward, then it probably doesn't matter where you get your PhD from.</p>
<p>If you know what particular subject you want to do research in (and this could be really specific), then it really does matter, and some big name schools (in the sense of "overall good") are not necessarily what you might be looking for. You want to find a place where great research is done in your field but also where your supervisor will pay attention to you. That's why you want to speak to your current professors, wherever you are, as they should know what schools are good in your area of research and have good PhD supervisors. Of course, obtaining a PhD from a big name school will certainly land you a job somewhere, but there's no guarantee you'll do the best research you could've done if you just pick a school for the name.</p>
<p>Yes, it does matter, but how much it matters depends on what you want to do when you finish the PhD. Do you want to work in academia or in industry? Getting a PhD from somewhere with a strong reputation is more important for an academic future, although some companies will consider it as well. </p>
<p>Also, as others have said, it is the reputation of a department and a professor that matter more than the overall reputation of a school. A big name school may not be particularly well known in the field you are interested in, so look more at the particular department you are interested in than at the school as a whole. Also research the professors in the department - you may find some rising stars at lesser-known schools.</p>
<p>Of course, in here I mean the reputation of department not that of a school. We know the biological science departments of Dartmouth and Brown is not enough worthy.</p>
<p>According to whom?</p>