<p>Just a thought on the problem of “no-name” professors and grad school - </p>
<p>It is true that if you find yourself working directly under a big name in your field, it will improve your chances of getting into grad school. However, consider that those big names have very little time for a herd of undergrads looking to fluff their resumes - they might take one or two star undergrads, occasionally, but will primarily focus on their graduate students, post-docs, and their own research. If you aren’t one of those lucky few, you’re SOL.</p>
<p>So, what if you’re working with a professor who has not published widely? The way around this problem is through undergraduate research. Either find an opportunity in your own school, or look for external funding sources (REU is great for undergrads in the sciences). This shows that you don’t need a big name to do research - YOU are capable of your own independent thought. My top-10 geology grad school is stuffed with LAC folks who came in with experience, myself included (from a department with 5 professors). So I’m sorry, but all this “LAC’s won’t get you into grad school because their research is not as high-powered” stuff is bunk.</p>
<p>And, I agree with wis75 - don’t get so hung up on the major that you pick based on that rather than the whole package. Let me tell you, I didn’t come to college planning to do geology - I’d been bio all the way since age 6. Things change. A spectacular department in a specific field is much more important in grad school than in undergrad.</p>