<p>Hi, I'm a sophomore in high school, and I know it's a little early to be thinking about this, but what's the chance that a grad school will accept students from their own undergrad school? The only reason why I ask is that I'm starting to look at colleges for undergrad, specifically in marine biology. My main choice right now is University of Miami due to their Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. But I also have been looking into their graduate program, because with marine biology there's basically nothing that you can do with a BS. I've read really good things about the grad school, but I was wondering if going to University of Miami for undergrad would either help or hinder my chances of getting in to their graduate program. Thanks!</p>
<p>It depends on the school/department. Usually they do. Ask to make sure.</p>
<p>The hope is that your graduate training will make you a well rounded scientist. If you have only been exposed to a narrow subset of the field because the composition of the faculty in the department is skewed to one area, you would inherently be less well rounded than if you had attended another department for grad school. </p>
<p>In a more niche field the old axiom about academic incest isn’t as strongly enforced. If your interests can best be investigated in the department you cut your teeth in, the faculty would likely be understanding, particularly if you have performed well in research as an undergrad. I think you should choose the undergrad institution you think would best suit you and not worry about whether the same school might not like you as a graduate student.</p>
<p>Golden advice from Terry Tao:
[Study</a> at different places What’s new](<a href=“http://terrytao.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/career-advice/study-at-different-places/]Study”>Study at different places | What's new)</p>
<p>It really depends on department/school. At Cornell, in Entomology, they don’t allow Cornell undergrads to enter graduate school there; but in other departments, including for vet school and law school, they have no problem with Cornell undergrads.</p>
<p>That being said, being different places and forging different relationships (networking!) is awfully important. I would hate to be at Cornell for grad school too – too much other stuff to see in the world! =)</p>