<p>Hey guys!</p>
<p>I've been wondering for a while, if I know that I'll be going to graduate school after I've finished undergrad, does undergrad really matter as long as I work hard, get good grades, and become involved in school clubs/organizations? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>You’re gonna have to be more specific. What is it you’re worried about? You said you were planning on getting good grades, so are you talking about the prestige of your undergrad school? Generally, I’d say the prestige of your undergrad doesn’t matter if you have an advanced degree from somewhere else, though the prestige of your undergrad can make it easier to get into a prestigious grad school program. Certain undergrads like Harvard would also probably stand out even if you did have an advanced degree, too, but for the most part I’d say the most advanced degree you have would be the most important one in getting a job.</p>
<p>Yes, basically. I ask because there’s a big hype as to where people end up going at the end of high school. I realize that going to college is a big step and is practically a new life, but why all the hype? I don’t ask to be cynical, just curious and wondering if I should be worried. I’ve got my eyes set on an up-and-coming school. It’s decent, but it’s not great either. So, basically, would my going to school there for undergrad really negatively affect where I go for grad school, like Georgetown for example?</p>
<p>The prestige of your undergrad may carry some weight in graduate admissions because you may have recommendations from more well-known profs, you may be exposed to more research and internship opportunities (especially when comparing schools in large cities to schools in more suburban areas). However, it really comes down to what you <em>do</em> at that undergrad. Going to Yale won’t help you much if you slide by with just-passing grades and ignore research/internship/other opportunities. Getting good grades and taking full advantage of your opportunities at a lesser school would mean more than the previous example. </p>
<p>Ultimately you would want to go to the best school you can reasonably afford and are admitted to, AND get good grades and take full advantage of opportunities (which include talking to profs early on about graduate school interests so you don’t miss any opportunities you weren’t aware of). </p>
<p>Even if you go to a lesser-known school, it wouldn’t “negatively” affect where you go. It wouldn’t help, either, but I’d say you would need more stellar stats from a lesser-known school to get into a more prestigious grad program. It also depends on your program area. Each field has its own list of “top” schools. For example, grad school X might have a fantastic business school, but a weak history department. </p>
<p>Also, clubs and activities don’t usually mean much for graduate school unless they are highly relevant to your field of study. However, that does not mean you shouldn’t bother. Taking leadership opportunities in clubs will help to build character and valuable skills even if that particular club doesn’t affect your graduate school admissions.</p>
<p>Thanks, NovaLynnx! Really beneficial information :)</p>