<p>I don't know what the book is called, but my college counselor has a book that outlines the schools with the best 'x' program. Would these schools that have top 'x' programs be more likely to accept someone with a strong 'x' background? Or would that only increase the competition because everyone wants to take advantage of 'x'? </p>
<p>Since an undergraduate education is very different from a graduate education, if someone wanted to get better at 'x,' does it really matter what school the person attends as long as the school as a whole is solid?</p>
<p>For example (I'll talk about music b/c that's what I know) - music composition students really don't need that top music program because the majority of the stuff they're learning is rules and guidelines. Later in grad school, the importance of top of the line teachers increases because that's when students increase (or are supposed to increase) from competent to amazing. So ultimately, does it matter if the school has a great 'x' program as long as the school as a whole is good? [Please ignore obvious outliers like going to Harvey Mudd for the liberal arts.]</p>