02.18.10 | Graduate School – What’s in a name?
A question that we receive pretty much daily from our readers is the eternal question of post-undergrad education: should I go for the “name” school?
It actually is a great question, because there are so many pieces that go into choosing the right graduate school for your advanced degree. First, there’s the question of how broad or deep do you want your graduate studies to be? There are generalized degrees like a non-targeted MBA and they go as deep as doctoral studies on the mating habits of tasmanian devils (ok, maybe that was a little random… but you get the point.) In many cases, the super-specialized degrees (like say, geobotany) are actually offered by smaller schools in very targeted locations.
After picking what you want to study, there’s the question of, “how much time can you invest in a graduate degree?” If your answer is relatively little, a part-time or online graduate degree probably is a better fit for you. However, not every graduate degree (like a lab-based science) CAN be completed online, and this should be taken into account.
Alright, so what about name and clout? I will say this: going to a “name” school, almost always at least gets the door slightly open for you. However, a company is not going to hire you just because you went to Harvard or Yale, they are going to hire you because you are bright, serious, and took the time to become a valuable asset in your chosen field.
Not to mention, the “name” schools will charge a lot more tuition just by virtue of their brand equity. They have built up this prestige, and are more than happy to siphon your hard earned money into their coffers for a piece of their legacy. If you are committed to going to a big name school, make sure you file your FAFSA on time, get as many scholarships as possible, and get a private student loan if necessary to cover any excess cost. Also, some companies offer partial or full tuition reimbursement if your degree program is related to your job, so you can check into that as well.
In the end, a “name” school can be that extra edge that gets you your dream job — but without a robust résumé of relevant experience and professional personal demeanor, it isn’t enough on its own.
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yeah i've always wondered if i should try to apply to a bigger college or if a small college would suffice.. but this post really helped me make my decision. great advice!
May 1st, 2010 | #
doesnt matter as long as u graduate
April 29th, 2010 | #
hahaha… this article is good… i totally agree with it.. is what you learn that counts!
April 29th, 2010 | #
i agree tha students apply to colleges that have a certain reputation but im choosing to go to a smaller school and i think i will get just as good education
April 23rd, 2010 | #
Awesome! Very good information for everyone because it is very true that no company will hire by the “name” but by your knowledge in the area of their interest. Nevertheless, the “name” will help your curriculum at the first time, but after that you have to demonstrate your capacity in the chosen field
April 12th, 2010 | #
I always wondered about why and what the difference of the schools were. But I agree .
It doesn't always have to be the "name" schools, but the kind of work you do and the type of person you are .
April 8th, 2010 | #
Yea i plan on goin to mercer because its a great medical school and its close to home however its a bit pricey!!!
April 5th, 2010 | #
Im not sure if it goes with my career but ok
April 1st, 2010 | #
Wow this article changed the way I view things. I though it was eveyrthing about the "name' of the college or university buh now that I have read this, it really made me think. This article is helpful for many students.
March 31st, 2010 | #
I am going to a well "name" school, studying for a masters in special education. This is a accelerated program for students who have any undergrad degree to become teachers. The community is complianting that students who graduate from this well "name" school, does not know what they are doing when in the classroom. Therefore, as several people have said, look at the school and it's program first, not the school's "name. I am looking for another school.
March 29th, 2010 | #
I agree with this blog. Most students I know really want to get into schools like Harvard or Princeton, but the college doesn't really have their intended major. When going to school you are supposed to go to the one that can give you the education that you need to fulfill your education goal. If the college doesn't then why waste your time? Like one of my teachers told me before "As long as you go to a college why does it matter if its the most popular one or not?"
March 28th, 2010 | #
Good information
March 27th, 2010 | #
Name is not always everything! It's how good the programs are that matter.
March 23rd, 2010 | #
this is deff true!
March 23rd, 2010 | #
i agree!
March 23rd, 2010 | #
I liked this article. Name schools really do show potential employers your potential and can open doors, but its up to you whether or not the education you receive will help you.
March 18th, 2010 | #
This is a good article and I agree, people should want to go a "name school" because you haave more opportunities when it comes to your career.
March 17th, 2010 | #
yes everyone
March 16th, 2010 | #
i think the name schools do make people recognize you as an intelligent and
hardworking student but I think anyone can excel no matter what school they go to.
Thanks for the info.
March 16th, 2010 | #
Excellent advise
March 15th, 2010 | #
I think that as long as it is an accredited institution, it does not matter where you go as long as you do it. Like they said "a company is not going to hire you just because you went to Harvard or Yale". If you have the money then go for it, but if you don't then it doesn't really matter.
March 14th, 2010 | #
of course. jobs should not only look at the school but what the person can do. just because they got through that school doesn't mean they're qualified.
March 13th, 2010 | #
I really like this post…really need to send my uncle this. He feels that the more name it has, the more oppurtunities you have concerning jobs. This is awesome!
March 13th, 2010 | #
Good job. I gone to pass it to my friends! Thanks!
March 9th, 2010 | #
I agree with the blog post in that personal accomplishments will be the final determining factor to be chosen for a position, but name brand graduate schools will open more doors than generic brand graduate schools.
March 5th, 2010 | #
where you go to college does not matter- it is what you do for your self and crack open those expensive books and work hard learning what you need to know!
March 3rd, 2010 | #
Great and very true information. But I think the school is not as inportant as the quality of the education.
March 3rd, 2010 | #
Alot of people strive to get into a "name school" becuase at one point they heard they were the best, but this may not always be the case. Alot of unknown schools have a good education even though it may not ne the top ten schools that may pop up in a conversation.
March 2nd, 2010 | #
An interesting read. "Name" schools are better known but I agree that going to one doesn't mean you'll have an added advantage. The only thing I've noticed about going to a private university is that the local companies know the university a little better than the companies out of state. I don't worry though, luckily someone usually has at least heard of the name if not the reputation of the people coming out of it.
March 1st, 2010 | #
Sometimes the "name" schools are where the degree/emphasis/field of study/best professors in your interest area are.
February 28th, 2010 | #
this is one thing that i've been basing where i go to school. at first i refused to apply to any school that wasn't well known but in the end i think every school is what you make of it and if you do well then a potential employer will see that.
February 26th, 2010 | #
haha nice
February 26th, 2010 | #
good article I think it depends on what career goal you have
February 25th, 2010 | #
It does not matter where you go. I think what really matters is how you do at school
February 25th, 2010 | #
really is
February 24th, 2010 | #
Great info
February 23rd, 2010 | #
I don't 100% agree with that statement. In favor of "name" schools, they typically have the resources to hire more qualified professors which can result in a better overall education (and real-world connections) for their students if everything else is kept constant. However, it is a much larger financial burden… so there are counterweights that just may not be worthwhile in the long run.
February 22nd, 2010 | #
I think the appropriate point about what a "name school" can do for you is not whether or not the name-recognition gets "the door slightly open for you". Rather, the important question is whether a "name school" gets you a better education. It's true that companies won't hire you just because you've got a big name school on your resume. They might put you at the front of the interview line, but once you're in the hot seat, if you're ill-prepared, they hit the ejector seat button quickly. However, if the name schools do educate you better, than 1) you're get an interview; 2) you'll do well in the interview; and 3) regardless of the interview, you'll be a well-educated person.
February 21st, 2010 | #
even if its at a state school, you'll still get the same education no matter where you go.
February 20th, 2010 | #
great article I pass it on to my friends.
February 20th, 2010 | #
its really intresting to know that it dont matter what kind of school you are in but what it matters is how bright you are
February 19th, 2010 | #
Feel free to pass it on
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February 19th, 2010 | #
everyone should read this
February 19th, 2010 | #