<p>I'm interested in majoring in economics and have been looking at universities like Princeton and Stanford, but I have also been interested by LACs like Amherst and Pomona. The idea of small class sizes and being in a cozy campus appeals to me. My main concern however is name recognition. Do LACs like Amherst and Pomona carry the same WOW factor associated with universities like Princeton and Stanford? Will the Amherst name, for example, hinder any future job prospects?</p>
<p>No. 10char</p>
<p>Top LACs are not as well known to the general public, but are highly respected by most of the people who would be hiring you. I don't think you should make the choice based on name recognition.</p>
<p>It's more important that small LACs offer more personal attention, but some people find them insular and confining. Universities offer more options for courses of study and research.</p>
<p>Those who need to know, such as employers, grad schools, etc., will easily be familiar with the quality of all the schools you named. However, if you are also interested in impressing old Aunt Gertrude or random neighbors, many will not recognize the name of your LAC the way they will Princeton. Some of them on the east coast might not know much about Stanford either for that matter.</p>
<p>Good LACs are well-known to grad schools. If your plans include grad school, then going to a top LAC whose atmosphere is congenial to you is no disadvantage professionally and could be a big personal advantage as a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy a unique social and academic experience. Grad school name recognition will be enough WOW for any profession.</p>
<p>If looking for top economics programs, Claremont McKenna and University of Chicago would be two more stellar and selective alternatives.</p>
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Will the Amherst name, for example, hinder any future job prospects?
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<p>I don't understand your logic. Graduating from the most prestigious LAC in the country will be detrimental to your employment prospects? What?</p>
<p>If layman's prestige is your top concern, then you would be better off at a large university. Though, keep in mind that 19,248 people were rejected from Princeton this year, and 22,898 people were rejected from Stanford.</p>
<p>Go to college and get everything you can out of it... then worry about grad school/jobs.</p>