<p>What is more important? a great school overall academically or a good school in your major field?</p>
<p>I think it varies.
In most cases, the overall better school. Overall good schools tend to have good programs in everything, and likely have excellent grad and job placement in any field. Plus, most students change their major. You don't want to be stuck at a school that was only good for what you used to want to do. </p>
<p>However, if you're fairly certain about what you want to do, and the overall top college doesn't have that field, or is very weak in it, then you might be better off going to the school better in your major. But as I said, this is rare. Generally, one would not have applied to a school that is truly abysmal in the areas they're interested in.</p>