Programs How Much do Rankings Matter? (Math PhD)

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The discussion centers on the importance of graduate school rankings in relation to career goals, particularly in academia. The original poster is focused on pursuing a PhD with aspirations for a postdoctoral position and eventually a tenure-track role at a prestigious research university. Key points include the consensus that attending a top-ranked university can be crucial for securing a faculty position at elite institutions, especially for those aiming to become professors. The relevance of rankings diminishes for other career paths, such as teaching at the high school level. Overall, the emphasis is on aligning educational choices with specific career aspirations, particularly in academia, where a strong pedigree can significantly impact opportunities.
epsilon>0
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Hi all,

I'm trying to decide where to go for graduate school, and I'm wondering how much attention I should pay to the rankings. Is a top 10 significantly better than a top 20, 20 better than a 30, 30 better than 40 etc.

My 5 - 10 year plan is a good post doc(s), and to at least try to end up at a research university. How important is the school you attend?

How much do rankings matter for industry jobs?

Thanks.
 
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First of all, what are you studying? How far do you plan to go (M.S., PhD, another professional degree such as an MBA, ME, etc.) ? I don't have all the answers, but more information would greatly help those that do :D

EDIT: Sorry; missed the information you put into the title. In that case, what are your career goals? If you want to be a professor at one of those top universities, a PhD from a top university will be necessary. Just want to teach high school math? Not so necessary.
 
daric soldar said:
First of all, what are you studying? How far do you plan to go (M.S., PhD, another professional degree such as an MBA, ME, etc.) ? I don't have all the answers, but more information would greatly help those that do :D

EDIT: Sorry; missed the information you put into the title. In that case, what are your career goals? If you want to be a professor at one of those top universities, a PhD from a top university will be necessary. Just want to teach high school math? Not so necessary.

After a phd, I would like to get a good post doc, and then my goal would be to land a tenure track position at a top university (say an AMS group 1). To do this would I need a phd from a top 10, 20, 30 etc?
 
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