<p>Hi, I'm a high school senior in NJ applying to the University of Chicago this fall. As you can tell by my username, one major reason why I want to attend this school is because of the Chicago school of economics. I'm not sure what kind of career I intend to pursue, but I haven't ruled out a PhD in economics, and I can't think of any place I'd rather be than at UC to get it. Of course, things could change, but I'm wondering whether or not attending UC as an undergrad will have any impact on my chances at the grad school at UC should I choose to apply. </p>
<p>I think two rules apply, not only at Chicago in the Economics Department, but at all of the elite universities and in all the departments:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Staying at the same institution for a PhD is not recommended. </p></li>
<li><p>But sometimes exceptions get made.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Note that professional schools are different. Law/medicine/business schools often slightly favor undergraduates from their university.</p>
<p>Anyway, it’s not a good idea to choose a college based on wanting to go to graduate school there. There are way too many slips between that particular cup and the lip. At this point, you can’t even possibly know enough about yourself, your interest in economics, and the interests of the particular economics faculty who will be teaching at Chicago in 5-7 years – and who will NOT include Milton Friedman, of course – to know that it’s the best place for you to go to graduate school.</p>
<p>I agree with JHS. I’ve seen posts like “Oh, go to [insert college] for undergrad. You can always go to Chicago for grad school.” Considering how hyper-selective graduate admissions is these days, that kind of thinking makes me shudder.</p>
<p>If you like Chicago, there’s no reason not to attend for undergrad.</p>
<p>That said, do not let the econ program be the only thing that draws you to Chicago. There are far too many good economics programs to risk having a bad fit.</p>