Does University Ranking Impact Post-Graduate Studies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of university rankings on the decision-making process for selecting an undergraduate institution, particularly in relation to post-graduate studies. Participants explore the implications of choosing between a higher-ranked university and a lower-ranked one, considering factors such as departmental strength, scholarship opportunities, and personal circumstances.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the ranking should influence their decision between a rank 24 university and a rank 45 university.
  • Another participant suggests that a significant ranking difference may have implications, especially if the individual has a clear major in mind.
  • It is noted that the Australian National University (rank 24) is recognized for its excellence in post-graduate studies and research, potentially allowing for continuity in education.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of relocating for the higher-ranked university, despite a substantial scholarship offer from ANU.
  • A participant argues that university rank does matter significantly and can affect long-term career prospects, emphasizing the value of the scholarship from ANU.
  • There is a viewpoint that selecting an undergraduate institution should not be based solely on its graduate program, as it is uncommon for students to attend graduate school at the same university where they completed their undergraduate degree.
  • Another participant mentions that most undergraduate courses at ANU lead to post-graduate studies, indicating a strong pipeline for further education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of university rankings in decision-making. While some emphasize the significance of rankings and scholarship offers, others question the relevance of choosing a university based on its graduate programs.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the impact of university rankings, and the discussion includes various assumptions about the relationship between undergraduate and graduate education.

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I am choosing between a rank 24 uni and a rank 45 uni, should rank have any effect on my decision?
 
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Is this for undergrad? A difference that big does mean something. If you know what you want to major in, you might also want to look at how good that specific department is.
 
bcrowell said:
Is this for undergrad? A difference that big does mean something. If you know what you want to major in, you might also want to look at how good that specific department is.

The rank 24 uni is Australian National University, it's known to be an excellent university for post graduate studies and research which means I can continue with my post graduate studies after completing my bachelor at the same uni, the other is Sydney uni or uni of NSW, Sydney is good for commerce, science and medicine and UNSW is good for science and engineering.
If I go to ANU I have to move to a different state and live there (they give a $40000 scholarship) with the other two I can stay at home.
In general does uni rank matter when it comes to education/recognition?
 
Synchronised said:
The rank 24 uni is Australian National University, it's known to be an excellent university for post graduate studies and research which means I can continue with my post graduate studies after completing my bachelor at the same uni, the other is Sydney uni or uni of NSW, Sydney is good for commerce, science and medicine and UNSW is good for science and engineering.
If I go to ANU I have to move to a different state and live there (they give a $40000 scholarship) with the other two I can stay at home.
In general does uni rank matter when it comes to education/recognition?

Yes, it makes a huge difference. It will affect you every day for the rest of your life. If ANU is offering you a generous scholarship, then IMO you'd be nuts not to go there.

You shouldn't be picking your undergrad school based on their grad program. It's very uncommon for people to go to grad school at the same university where they did their undergrad degree. For one thing, there's no guarantee that you'd be admitted there for grad school.
 
Almost all undergrad courses at ANU are in the Research and Development category i.e. most students who do them go into post graduate studies, if I was to do my post graduate studies at a different university it will have to be an overseas university because ANU is the best in Australia.
I still have about 10 months to make my final decision but I'm very interested in http://studyat.anu.edu.au/programs/4715HBENG;overview.html
Since I made a decision I can relax now and concentrate on my studies :)
 

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