<p>I'm a HS senior and applying to colleges now, and I <em>think</em> I have a pretty clear first choice, but I've got some questions. The top choice at the moment is Michigan State University, as I've already been accepted to the James Madison residential college. It's a small program of 1200ish students, 300 or so per class, that focuses on political science and public policy/affairs. The JMC has smaller classes and supposedly more of a LAC feel, but you can take normal MSU classes as well. I'd probably double major in political theory/int'l relations by the way. It seems ideal for me, but I've got a few questions regarding the possibility of grad school:</p>
<p>1) How important is the prestige of your undergrad school? MSU is only ranked in the top 75 or so. I know the JMC sends many people to prestigious Law Schools, but thats mostly based on your GPA and LSAT. If I were applying to MA/PH.D programs in poli-sci or IR, would it go against me if I'm not coming from a top-50 school, even if it's a well-respected program?</p>
<p>2) If I ended up with a degree in "political theory and constitutional democracy" (as well as IR) rather than poli-sci (the JMC doesn't offer straight political science), but I were applying to poli-sci grad programs (masters or PH.D) would this hurt me?</p>
<p>3) How important is your GPA and GRE compared to recs and research, and where does prestige of UG school fit into this?</p>
<p>I can't answer all of your questions since I'm not involved in these fields, but my friend went to James Madison @ MSU and he is currently in an IR program at the University of Chicago. Since James Madison is a unique program, it will probably give you an edge over any perceived lack of prestige that MSU has. Sorry that I couldn't answer your questions more directly. :)</p>
<p>Hey, I am currently in the process of applying to grad schools in poli sci, so take my advice as you will. While I admire your foresight and enthusiasm, don't apply to an undergrad school solely as the stepping stone to grad school. Chances are you may find poli is not the direction you want to go, or the college is not a fit for you. As an undergrad, go to the college you feel most comfortable with and most likely to be challenged. In nearly all cases, it won't matter where you went as an under grad but rather what you did there. </p>
<p>Undergrad prestige means little in terms of grad school applications, it certainly will not hinder you. Best case scenario you go to a top ranked undergrad school, meet influential professors in poli sci and get great recs. However, with large colleges, getting close to professors tends to be more difficult. JMU sounds like an ideal place, for forming close relationships with professors. Second, in terms of poli sci, you don't necessarily have to be a poli sci major as an undergrad to apply to poli sci grad programs. Again study what interests. At the grad program at my school, top 15 Poli Sci department, I've met grad students who were chem majors as undergrads. Its good to have direction heading into undergrad, but take it one day at a time. For now I suggest you focus more on what kind of college will best for you as an undergrad. Then go from there.</p>
<p>As for your thirds question, gre tend to be gateways to grad school. Doing well won't necessarily increase your chances of getting in but doing badly will hinder you. GPA is very important, but mostly it'll come down to you Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation. Grad schools are looking for potential and sucess, the more you can demonstrate that you have an vested interest in your area of study and have people that can vouch that you can be successful, the easier your application process will be. Undergrad research helps with showing your seriousness about what you want to study, and your research skills.</p>
<p>So the actual prestige of the school isn't important so much as what you do there?
Do all the competitive applicants to top grad do school-related stuff (research, internships etc) during their summers?</p>
<p>So the actual prestige of the school isn't important so much as what you do there?
Do all the competitive applicants to top grad do school-related stuff (research, internships etc) during their summers?</p>
<p>1) Useful but not essential. Coming from a very strong undergrad program will help slightly, but coming from a no-name program will not cause anyone to look down on you, and being awesome at a no-name program is probably better than going to a top program but having nothing going for you other than prestige.</p>
<p>2) Unlikely to hurt</p>
<p>3) Depends on the grad program, and also whether you are applying for a master's or PhD. One of the useful bits about a prestigious undergrad program is that grad programs will be <em>slightly</em> more lenient about your GPA. IME, GPA and GRE don't help you beyond a certain point - they can keep you out, but not get you in - and recs and SOP, especially recs, are important.</p>
<p>"So the actual prestige of the school isn't important so much as what you do there?"</p>
<p>This pretty much hits the nail on the head.</p>
<p>"Do all the competitive applicants to top grad do school-related stuff (research, internships etc) during their summers?"</p>
<p>For the most part, yes. At least one or two summers. The first two summers I spent in undergrad I just worked full time at a summer camp as a counselor, but the summer between my third and fourth years, I was a research intern. At least your last summer should be spent doing some sort of research or enrichment program, in my opinion. And not just for the admissions boost, but to make sure that's what you really want to do!</p>