How taboo is doing undergrad and grad school at the same place?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and perceptions regarding pursuing both undergraduate and graduate studies at the same institution. Participants explore the implications of such a choice on research opportunities, networking, and academic development.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether students might avoid undergraduate studies at a school they wish to attend for graduate school to keep options open.
  • Others argue that it is not considered taboo to pursue both degrees at the same institution, noting that many do so and that it can be beneficial.
  • One participant suggests that gaining experience at different institutions can provide valuable connections and insights into various academic environments.
  • Another participant shares their experience of changing research fields multiple times, indicating that staying at the same institution may not be advantageous unless there are compelling reasons, such as a top-ranked program or a specific mentor.
  • Concerns are raised about undergraduates' ability to accurately assess their future graduate school preferences, suggesting that the selection process for graduate schools differs significantly from that of undergraduate institutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness and strategic value of attending both undergraduate and graduate school at the same institution. There is no consensus on whether it is advisable or beneficial to do so.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of personal circumstances and the evolving nature of academic interests, which may influence decisions about school selection. The discussion reflects a variety of experiences and opinions without resolving the complexities involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering their academic paths in higher education, particularly those weighing the pros and cons of attending the same institution for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Frzn
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Just wondering if it people would ever go so far as NOT doing undergraduate at a school doing research they're interested in because they would want to attend grad school there
 
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It doesn't really matter that much, but in general it is better to see how things are done in other places and get some connections. I don't consider it taboo at all, there are plenty of people that do both degrees in the same institution. It is strongly encouraged to go to a different place for grad school though.
 
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I've heard people say they did that, but frankly I changed my specific research field about 5 times between the beginning of undergrad and the end of grad school, so it doesn't really make sense to do that (and those 5 fields were all still in astrophysics, but not really related). Unless there's a very good reason for you to stay (it's a very top school in the field or you want to work with someone very specific) it's best to move on. Schools will encourage you to go elsewhere.
 
Frzn said:
Just wondering if it people would ever go so far as NOT doing undergraduate at a school doing research they're interested in because they would want to attend grad school there

If you are an undergraduate then the odds are that you probably aren't familiar enough with the people in the fields involved to really know what graduate school you want to go to. You may think you do, but you probably really don't.

Selecting graduate schools is a totally different process from selecting undergraduate schools.
 

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