I was accepted at a TOP 50 U.S News ranked liberal arts college. Unfortunately, my financial aid package isn’t all that great but I can afford to go there. My parents want me to go there but still the financial burden is damn SCARY. I was also accepted to some ‘no name’ colleges with better financial assistance. Where should I go considering that I KNOW FOR SURE that after I finish my undergraduate studies I want to go for Phd studies at the BIG-NAME schools ?
I mean, Will the prestige of the undergraduate school be the ABSOLUTELY DECISIVE FACTOR in Graduate Admission or employment ?
<p>I won't even try to answer your question about where you should go for undergraduate studies, because I really believe only you are qualified to make that decision. No one on these forums really knows your individual needs, circumstances, goals. It's a tough decision, but I'm sure in the long run, you will make the choice that is right for you.</p>
<p>As for your second question, here's my opinion:</p>
<p>I don't think the prestige of an undergraduate school will ever hurt your chances for graduate admission or employment, BUT, it certainly is not the "absolute decisive factor" , or guarantee for future success.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>