<p>Is it more important to go to a reputable graduate school than for undergrad? If so, does this mean, I can relax a bit about my undergraduate admissions? If I get into a decent school, could I hope to do outstanding in undergraduate college and gain admission into perhaps the...dare I say it...IVY LEAGUE?!?! Is there hope? Honorable elders, please read from your books of wisdom. In other words..any advice, suggestions, experience, or insight pertaining to this matter?</p>
<p>The answer to your question is yes, people from top 50 even top 100 schools go to the top 10 in their field all the the time. But you are thinking way way too far ahead. Go to undergrad first, figure out what you want to major in, do some research, decide if grad school is what you really want, then in three years, if you're still sure, come back.</p>
<p>In short, grad school rep is more important than undergrad</p>
<p>Yeah, the reputation of your grad school is more important, but I bet you anything that it's a lot easier to go on to a good grad school from an undergraduate school with a great reputation. They get those reputations for a reason. Going to the best schools means better chances of doing meaningful undergrad research, getting a leg up from professors who know one another, scoring fellowships, and of course getting a rigorous education.</p>
<p>Personally, I believe that undergrad is the best time to get out of dodge. In undergrad admissions, there's something to be said for dreams and promise and personality, so no matter where you're from or what opportunities you had, you can be admitted somewhere great. In grad admissions, it's all about accomplishments and results, and no one cares what underrepresented state you're from, or that you skipped two grades, or that you play in an orchestra on weekends. Do the very best you can now.</p>
<p>Take a quick look at the first two pages of the "Grad School Admissions 101" thread pinned to the top of this section. It will give you a good idea of what's ahead if you decide grad school is for you.</p>
<p>2 quick points:</p>
<p>1) The Ivies do not necessarily have the best grad programs in any given field.
2) Law, Business, and Med. are VERY different from "real" graduate school (that's why they have separate boards).</p>
<p>First, the prestige of a particular school varies from field to field, and in many disciplines, there are much better schools than Ivies. It doesn't help to chase Harvard if it's not strong in the field you want to work in. (EDIT: Cross-post with WilliamC. :))</p>
<p>Second, I think it's a mistake to assume that any person will be competitive for graduate school admissions before they've been to undergrad. A lot of people who were great in high school get to college and aren't spectacular anymore.</p>
<p>I also agree with snowcapk's post -- going to a great undergrad school won't automatically get you into a great grad program, but it sure does make things easier.</p>