<p>So I am about to graduate from Northern Kentucky University, which is not a bad school but not a great one either. I was able to get done in 3.5 years and paid under 5 grand overall. I have a 3.86 currently and will graduate Magna Cum Laude. However I realize that the school's lack of reputation will hurt me, it's just a matter of how much. A 3.8 is overkill at most schools but I feel like I am getting padding for the inevitable downgrade I will receive due to my alma mater. I expect a .2-.3 point drop from that of top 100 schools and maybe a .5-.1 drop for in between schools. However I really would like to know how much this matters both for Grad school/Law school admissions and employment. My degree is in history, which is one of the more respected humanities degrees (I think) but still does not have the challenge aspect of something like engineering or mathmatics, so again I fear a downgrade. Anyone have any opinion on this? I guess it's a little late if this is a big deal, I graduate in the fall.</p>
<p>Graduate school admission is based in large part on (not necessarily in this order):
Undergraduate GPA
GPA in your major
GRE general exam score
GRE subject exam score
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Publication/Research relevant to the field of study</p>
<p>For Law School Admissions, swap LSAT score for GRE scores.</p>
<p>As to whether you in particular can get into the specific grad school or law school that you are interested in, none of us can really say. The professors in your department are the ones who probably can give you the best read on that one. Stop worrying that your life is ruined because you went to a “Third Tier” institution. Lots of people get to great grad schools/law schools with degrees like yours.</p>
<p>Well I’ve had professors that have gone to school at top notch institutes like Cornell, Harvard, and Berkley and they always tell me they are vastly overrated and the overall experience is not that much better than a low ranked school. I’m happy with my education but I’ve never been anywhere else. The one problem I have with my school is that the caliber of student there is low, so expectations are lowered as well. However as far as base education I feel fufilled.</p>