I just had a question. If I were to attend James Madison University, would I be able to gain admission into top graduate schools? (i.e. Duke, ivies, etc). I know there are a few people every year that go to UVA for grad school (which I also love). My point is, I know James Madison is a pretty good school, but there are many that are better. If I were to get a very high GPA and graduate high up in my class, would top graduate schools like Duke or ivies consider me? Or do they only accept students from prestigious undergrad institutions?
The answer is that there are many different graduate degrees a person can get. And yes, you can get into top graduate schools if you graduate with a high GPA from JMU. Of course, you may need to take another test to get in to some types of graduate schools and how you do on that test can really make a difference. In other instances, you may need to have work experience for the graduate program. My point is that top students from James Madison do quite well, but there is a lot to your question. A while back I analyzed which colleges were most commonly seen in a new class at Harvard business school. There was some truth that the majority came from other top colleges, but there were absolutely exceptions and first years who came from JMU level institutions. Do well and you will be more than fine.
@michaeluwill thank you so much! I ask this because I am considering JMU vs Boston College. I am in the financial situation with my family that if I go to Boston College, I would have to pay for my grad school, but not undergrad. If I go to JMU, I would not have to pay for undergrad and barely anything for grad school. So I would save a LOT of money
I am going to major in mathematics/statistics with a possible double major or minor in finance/economics. I feel like a masters would be very helpful in landing a top notch job. Do you think that the additional cost going to Boston College is worth it because it is a much better undergraduate institution, or would I be perfectly fine going to JMU for undergrad because it is the cheaper option?
They are both good schools. I understand your question and if your family can afford UG 100% at either, I might choose the one that will make you happier. You may never go to grad school. Just an opinion, of course.