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Thats what I'm kinda worried about. If I earn a 3.9 from a ok school( i.e UCLA) and get top GRE scores and complete decent research, I'll still lose because everyone applying to top programs mostly because they have the aforementioned stats in addition to attending a top school. Is this correct thinking?
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<p>Firstly, UCLA is one of the best universities in the world; it's not just "okay". Secondly, even if you were at an "okay" university, it still wouldn't be detrimental, if you distinguished yourself with a 3.9, good GRE scores, and good research. There are plenty of people from schools outside of the Top 100 who still manage to gain acceptance to the best graduate schools in their field.</p>
<p>This is a debate that has been rehashed time and time again on this board and all accross the internet but from everything I have read it really does seem that the vast majority of grad programs, even most very selective and prestigious ones, will not shy away from admitting applicants from lesser known undergrad schools provided they are excpetional applicants. Although this is not a hard and fast rule, the evidence proving the contrary is often extremely anecdotal or applies to specific programs at specific schools (i.e. Harvard Business school).</p>
<p>It matters a lot where the graduate students from your undergrad school do their graduate study. If they have been successful, then they will be inclined to admit you.</p>
<p>I'll agree to what Granny said. If you're from a lesser known school and the only student from there that went to Kickass University for graduate studies proved to be the dumbest of the bunch, even after having a 4.0 GPA and stellar recommendations, the admissions committee might be a little wary of you. Otherwise, I don't see being from a "lesser" university being much of a detriment when you're applying to grad school, so long as you've done good research in your undergrad and have solid recommendations.</p>
<p>You should never, never, ever go to a school where you think you won't be happy. It doesn't matter if you're going to a prestigious school and you hate it - you won't do well and your college experience will, frankly, suck.</p>
<p>The academic circle is pretty small - think about it. How many college professors are there at, say, the top 100 schools. Not a lot. And people in academia tend to meet each other through their work. For example, I have a cousin that went to the University of Washington. Yes, it's probably one of the more respected state schools, but it's by no means an Ivy League, in my opinion (and based on other factors like class, size, personal attention, financial aid, etc). But my cousin's professors knew other professors at Ivy Schools, schools in Texas, etc.</p>
<p>The bottom line, though, is that you should choose a school that simply has strong programs, by measurable and objective standards. Pick a school with small class sizes taught mostly by professors (not TA's or grad students), updated and accesible facilities, and with the kind of program you want. For example, some schools emphasize research, some emphasize co-ops or internships, some emphasize projects - pick your preference. Out of the schools that have those traits, find one with the location and size you want and one that is within your price range. If you go to a school that fits this profile you will recieve a great education, regardless of it's "prestige".</p>
<p>*Note: The Ivies and most "prestigious" schools have all of these traits, so I'm not saying that they aren't some of the best schools out there. What I'm saying is that there are other schools that aren't as old and rich and therefore as well known as the Ivies that still give students a great education.</p>