Grad School Matters More: Undergrad Choices & Application Worries

AI Thread Summary
The discussion emphasizes that the reputation of the undergraduate institution is less critical than that of the graduate school when applying for advanced degrees. A participant expresses concern about attending Texas A&M, perceived as less prestigious, but is reassured that admissions committees generally do not look down on applicants from less renowned undergraduate programs. Instead, the focus should be on gaining research experience and strong letters of recommendation, which are crucial for graduate school applications. Overall, the consensus is that a solid performance and involvement in research during undergraduate studies can significantly enhance prospects for graduate school, regardless of the undergraduate institution's prestige.
end3r7
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The school taht you go to get your graduate matters more than the school you go to get your undergrad.
I'm going to start my undergraduate at Texas A&M this Fall. It's not a very prestigious college, but it's close to home and I like the campus (I didn't want to go to UT and the campus was one of the reasons...). But I'm hoping to go to a "better" college for grad school. Will they look down on me for going to a less prestigious college when I apply go grad school?
 
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No I don't think so. I'm no expert. My friend completed his undergrad at York University in Ontario and is off to Oxford next year.
 
Generally not. You'd have to be going to a school widely known for having a bad physics program as opposed to one just not particularly known for its physics program. You'll be fine. Just get involved in research as much as you can, as early as you can. It will help, both for the experience and for getting letters of recommendation.
 
end3r7 said:
The school taht you go to get your graduate matters more than the school you go to get your undergrad.
I'm going to start my undergraduate at Texas A&M this Fall. It's not a very prestigious college, but it's close to home and I like the campus (I didn't want to go to UT and the campus was one of the reasons...). But I'm hoping to go to a "better" college for grad school. Will they look down on me for going to a less prestigious college when I apply go grad school?

Not at all!

And Texas A&M isn't a school to sneeze at either.

Zz.
 
Thanks for the response guys!

Man, college, can't wait! =D
 

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