Okay UG --> Prestigious Grad

Parents Forum
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<p>Okay, so it's more than likely that I'll be attending Ohio State in the fall. I want to study Astrophysics, so grad school is pretty much a certainty. From what I've gathered, a top 20 grad school helps with job opportunities. So is it difficult to go from an okay undergrad to a top grad school? I figure adults would be more knowledage on this. Thanks</p>

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<p>I think people do it all the time. </p>

<p>FWIW, did something similar. Didn’t go to a top 20 school for my grad degree, but definitely went to one of the top schools for my major (international affairs), although I went to a state school for undergrad.</p>

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<p>do well at OSU. undergrad research if possible. nail the GRE. you’ll be fine if you do all the three things i listed.</p>

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<p>If you are at the top of a huge university like Ohio State, you are at the top. Lots of bright kids go to their flagships.</p>

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<p>^^ I think I’d add a couple of things to jvtDad’s post. Do REALLY well at OSU. Definitely find research opportunities, certainly by junior year, and establish some positive relationships with a the professors in your field. Go the extra mile, and be visible.
It’s easier to get lost in the crowd at a big state school, but the opportunities are there if you go after them.</p>

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<p>OSU is better than just “okay”. You will be fine. Much more competition for undergrad than for grad school (except med/dental/law etc…)</p>

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<p>I know a student who went to a 2nd tier State U (not the flagship) because they gave her a full ride. She wowed the professors and worked on some research with them, earned a great GPA, and got really involved in their theater group. When it came time to apply to grad school she had very strong recommendations to go with her GPA. She’s now in a PhD program at BC. (Humanities)</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input everyone. Personally, OSU never seemed like a second rate school to me, but everyone I talk to makes it sound like some horrible place.</p>

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<p>Although I wouldn’t go, I find it comforting being in a university with such a large undergraduate class</p>