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Does undergrad school matter?
If you want to get into graduate school, is where or how you got your bachelor’s degree important?
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Barlara’s Answer
I suggest that you choose an undergraduate degree based on what you genuinely love and are passionate about. For instance, if you're into science, you could pursue an engineering degree. This way, you'll enjoy learning about it for 3 or 4 years. After that, consider getting a graduate degree, like a Masters in Business Administration, to boost your career prospects. This can help you climb the career ladder by preparing you for managerial roles. I hope this advice is helpful! 😊
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Becky’s Answer
Possibly. There are several things to consider when making your choice. Regardless of your path, you'll want to focus on maintaining a high GPA, and developing problem solving, critical thinking, and time management skills to help you not only achieve your goal, but also help you learn to or get better at maintaining a great work/life balance.
When looking at the possibilities of the path you will choose, consider the following:
As you explore different paths, keep these points in mind:
(1) Starting at a community college or junior college before moving on to a 4+ year degree program is an excellent way to reduce your overall education expenses. When considering this option, research the degree programs you're interested in transferring to. The aim is to complete lower-level courses at a lower cost than at a traditional 4+ year institution. Ensure that as many courses from your 2-year degree (associate's) can be transferred to the 4+ year degree to minimize time and effort. Moreover, some community/junior colleges may have more direct transfer pathways into a 4+ year program, making them more attractive options.
(2) Certain programs allow you to obtain a master's degree alongside your bachelor's degree by adding an extra year of study. Instead of finishing your bachelor's and then applying for a separate master's program, which often takes at least 18 months, you might find a 5-year program in your chosen field.
Wishing you the best in your educational pursuits.
When looking at the possibilities of the path you will choose, consider the following:
As you explore different paths, keep these points in mind:
(1) Starting at a community college or junior college before moving on to a 4+ year degree program is an excellent way to reduce your overall education expenses. When considering this option, research the degree programs you're interested in transferring to. The aim is to complete lower-level courses at a lower cost than at a traditional 4+ year institution. Ensure that as many courses from your 2-year degree (associate's) can be transferred to the 4+ year degree to minimize time and effort. Moreover, some community/junior colleges may have more direct transfer pathways into a 4+ year program, making them more attractive options.
(2) Certain programs allow you to obtain a master's degree alongside your bachelor's degree by adding an extra year of study. Instead of finishing your bachelor's and then applying for a separate master's program, which often takes at least 18 months, you might find a 5-year program in your chosen field.
Wishing you the best in your educational pursuits.
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Dave’s Answer
Becky's response is truly insightful. The path to a bachelor's degree relies on numerous aspects, such as your academic performance, interests, financial status, and other factors. College counselors at most high schools are available to guide you in choosing the ideal path tailored to your unique situation. The method you use to obtain your bachelor's degree isn't as crucial. Many individuals begin at a community college and transition to a four-year program after a year or two. The institution you attend might hold more significance, particularly if you're aiming for top-tier programs. Above all, maintaining excellent grades will ensure that various opportunities remain accessible, regardless of the specific path you follow.
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Shelia’s Answer
These are all great answers to your question. Depending on how you are performing in high school, you may need to start at a community college and transfer to an university after the first year. It is really important to focus on your GPA and participate in clubs to broaden your leadership and communication skills. Performing community service activities is good addition to have with applying to universities. When looking at your undergraduate school, I would also look into what types of graduate programs they have. For example, my daughter was able to apply for a teaching assistant program at her undergraduate school. This teaching assistant program basically paid for her master's degree. I've heard from other parents that they wished their kids had attended graduate school at their undergraduate school. The competition is fierce for those teaching assistant programs and you have an edge if you received your undergraduate from that university. There at tons of solid universities to choose from besides an ivy league one. I would focus on the universities that offer your degree with a master program with the possibility of a paid teaching assistant program. Best of luck!
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Grant’s Answer
In general, no. Becky's answer has most of what I was going to write about your path in Higher Education. I will say that in certain disciplines, it is very common to do your Masters and PhD studies at the same institution. Also, there can be some advantages if you are planning on medical school to do your undergrad at a school associated with the one you are planning on getting your medical degree from, as you can leverage (much as with the Community College), some courses for double credit (or at least waivers).
Susie's answer has several items of merit as well. If you are wanting to study robotics, for example, then picking a school that has strong opportunities for working with robotics will give you a leg up for getting into a graduate program in that field. Her advice on considering the degree of exposure to resources (professors, intern or work-study programs, and suchlike) is well founded.
A lot of people (myself included) had no clue what they wanted to do (let alone what would be a good graduate program or prep for one), so if you have a plan and a program, you will be a long way ahead of those of us who stumbled into our graduate careers. FWIW, I have an MA [English/Rhetoric, Ohio State U.], a MS [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Technical Communication], and half of an MFA [Wayne State University, Technical Theater]. Only the MS has been somewhat useful in my career (and that mostly as a door-opener).
Finally two pieces of advice about education. The first is that it's OK to change your mind about what you want to study. As Susie notes, study what you enjoy learning about, and sometime you may not know what is available to be studied until you are in school. The second is that you can always go back for a graduate degree later. I got my Masters when I was in my 30's, and they were a career shift for me.
Susie's answer has several items of merit as well. If you are wanting to study robotics, for example, then picking a school that has strong opportunities for working with robotics will give you a leg up for getting into a graduate program in that field. Her advice on considering the degree of exposure to resources (professors, intern or work-study programs, and suchlike) is well founded.
A lot of people (myself included) had no clue what they wanted to do (let alone what would be a good graduate program or prep for one), so if you have a plan and a program, you will be a long way ahead of those of us who stumbled into our graduate careers. FWIW, I have an MA [English/Rhetoric, Ohio State U.], a MS [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Technical Communication], and half of an MFA [Wayne State University, Technical Theater]. Only the MS has been somewhat useful in my career (and that mostly as a door-opener).
Finally two pieces of advice about education. The first is that it's OK to change your mind about what you want to study. As Susie notes, study what you enjoy learning about, and sometime you may not know what is available to be studied until you are in school. The second is that you can always go back for a graduate degree later. I got my Masters when I was in my 30's, and they were a career shift for me.
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Sara’s Answer
I imagine some graduate programs have higher compatibility expectations than others. The less aligned your bachelors and masters programs are, the more you may have to work.
There are always ways you can spin your past and present/future education to align. It may involve being creative, but teh staff at the colleges will help you make the most of what you have done and what you want to do.
There are always ways you can spin your past and present/future education to align. It may involve being creative, but teh staff at the colleges will help you make the most of what you have done and what you want to do.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Linds!
You're asking a great question: Does the college you attended for your bachelor's degree have an impact on your chances of getting into grad school? It's a bit of a tricky question, but let's break it down.
The school you attended for your undergrad does have some influence, but it's not the only thing grad schools look at. They also consider your grades, your experience with research, the letters of recommendation you provide, your scores on standardized tests, and your personal statement.
1. The School's Reputation:
Going to a well-known and respected college can give you a bit of a boost when you're applying to grad school. This is because the admissions team might already be familiar with the quality of education at these schools. Plus, these schools often have good connections which can help you get research opportunities or strong recommendation letters.
But don't worry if you didn't go to a famous college. Grad school admissions teams look at the whole picture, not just the name of your school.
2. Your Grades:
Your academic performance during your undergrad studies is super important. The admissions team will look at your GPA to see if you can handle tough coursework. A high GPA can strengthen your application, no matter which school you attended.
The types of courses you took can also make a difference. If you did well in challenging classes related to your field of interest, that's a big plus.
3. Your Research Experience:
Getting involved in research during your undergrad can really help your application. It shows that you're serious about learning and that you have the skills and knowledge needed in your field. The admissions team will appreciate your ability to think critically, solve problems, and contribute new ideas.
You can gain research experience in many ways, like doing independent projects, internships, or working with professors. No matter where you went to school, seeking out research opportunities and showing your passion for your field can help you get into grad school.
4. Letters of Recommendation:
Letters of recommendation are super important. They give the admissions team insights into your abilities, potential, work ethic, and personality. While it can help if the person recommending you is well-known, what really matters is what they say about you.
Try to build strong relationships with professors or mentors who can write meaningful recommendation letters based on their personal experience with you.
5. Standardized Test Scores:
Many grad programs require standardized tests like the GRE. These scores are considered, but they're not the only thing that matters. Different schools and programs put different amounts of weight on these scores.
Some schools are even starting to not require these scores at all, focusing more on other parts of your application.
6. Personal Statements:
Personal statements let you tell the admissions team about your motivations, goals, and why you're a good fit for their program. This is your chance to talk about any unique experiences or circumstances that have shaped your academic journey.
A well-written personal statement that shows your passion for your field and your alignment with the program's goals can make a big difference in your application.
In the end, while the school you attended for your bachelor's degree does have some impact, it's not the only thing that matters. The admissions team looks at many factors, including your grades, research experience, recommendation letters, test scores, and personal statement. So focus on doing well acadically, gaining research experience, building strong relationships with mentors, and putting together a strong application.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Sources:
1. Peterson's - www.petersons.com
2. The Princeton Review - www.princetonreview.com
3. U.S. News & World Report - www.usnews.com
You're asking a great question: Does the college you attended for your bachelor's degree have an impact on your chances of getting into grad school? It's a bit of a tricky question, but let's break it down.
The school you attended for your undergrad does have some influence, but it's not the only thing grad schools look at. They also consider your grades, your experience with research, the letters of recommendation you provide, your scores on standardized tests, and your personal statement.
1. The School's Reputation:
Going to a well-known and respected college can give you a bit of a boost when you're applying to grad school. This is because the admissions team might already be familiar with the quality of education at these schools. Plus, these schools often have good connections which can help you get research opportunities or strong recommendation letters.
But don't worry if you didn't go to a famous college. Grad school admissions teams look at the whole picture, not just the name of your school.
2. Your Grades:
Your academic performance during your undergrad studies is super important. The admissions team will look at your GPA to see if you can handle tough coursework. A high GPA can strengthen your application, no matter which school you attended.
The types of courses you took can also make a difference. If you did well in challenging classes related to your field of interest, that's a big plus.
3. Your Research Experience:
Getting involved in research during your undergrad can really help your application. It shows that you're serious about learning and that you have the skills and knowledge needed in your field. The admissions team will appreciate your ability to think critically, solve problems, and contribute new ideas.
You can gain research experience in many ways, like doing independent projects, internships, or working with professors. No matter where you went to school, seeking out research opportunities and showing your passion for your field can help you get into grad school.
4. Letters of Recommendation:
Letters of recommendation are super important. They give the admissions team insights into your abilities, potential, work ethic, and personality. While it can help if the person recommending you is well-known, what really matters is what they say about you.
Try to build strong relationships with professors or mentors who can write meaningful recommendation letters based on their personal experience with you.
5. Standardized Test Scores:
Many grad programs require standardized tests like the GRE. These scores are considered, but they're not the only thing that matters. Different schools and programs put different amounts of weight on these scores.
Some schools are even starting to not require these scores at all, focusing more on other parts of your application.
6. Personal Statements:
Personal statements let you tell the admissions team about your motivations, goals, and why you're a good fit for their program. This is your chance to talk about any unique experiences or circumstances that have shaped your academic journey.
A well-written personal statement that shows your passion for your field and your alignment with the program's goals can make a big difference in your application.
In the end, while the school you attended for your bachelor's degree does have some impact, it's not the only thing that matters. The admissions team looks at many factors, including your grades, research experience, recommendation letters, test scores, and personal statement. So focus on doing well acadically, gaining research experience, building strong relationships with mentors, and putting together a strong application.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Sources:
1. Peterson's - www.petersons.com
2. The Princeton Review - www.princetonreview.com
3. U.S. News & World Report - www.usnews.com
Updated
Susie’s Answer
In my experience in healthcare, and parenting two now-grown children- one in health/psych and the other in political science/religion, it does matter to a degree where you go to undergraduate school and how well you do there in terms of grades and finishing on time, but I think there is wiggle room. In matters in the "where" primarily because different schools offer different experiences in terms of the rigor of coursework, opportunities to work with professors, study abroad, unique internships, and extracurriculars that can help boost your readiness for the graduate work, and therefore your appeal to those goals to which you are applying. For example, if you are planning to apply for something in rehab, which is my field, like a Doctorate of PT or OT, or an MS in Speech Pathology, then you would need to make sure you have completed all your pre-requisites in undergrad- some of those courses are not offered at all schools- and scored very good grades. It also helps to have done something to set yourself apart while in undergrad such as work as a lab assistant, learned one or more languages, played on a college sport team, and/or worked in a community-based program that helps folks with special needs or medical issues. You could access those from many schools, but certain schools will focus more on placing you in valuable internships or having relationships with community-based or university-based programs such as clinics where you can get experience in your field. Some schools employ professors whose sole job is to prepare undergrads for Fellowship years and grad programs, including learning about how to finance these. My youngest has studied abroad in the field in which he hopes to enter, an opportunity that was quite unique to his undergrad program, and he is currently working as a teaching assistant for a professor in his field, who also serves as a mentor and has been helping him prepare his fellowship applications. The school also offers unique languages that will help him, such as Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Russian, German, and many others. They even have a grant set aside to pay for students to learn certain rare languages. My eldest worked in their university-run free occupational-therapy clinic, and as a lab assistant for a physiology lab, and ran a university-based charity organization, all of which helped with the grad school application progress. Neither child attends/ed an Ivy-league school. There are many, many good schools that provide excellent grad-school prep experiences. Both selected their undergrad schools knowing what they wanted to do eventually, so that helped, and there were able to get started straight away on working on those goals. But the key is, you must enjoy the work and the field. When there is passion and enthusiasm and endless curiosity, it doesn't feel as much like "work" for work's sake, but work in the service of one's life passion. At least that is how it has been for me and my two kids. But I think both could have done quite well doing two years of community college before transferring to their university to have those other experiences, but they both appreciated having a longer spell at their university in order to have many different and longer-duration experiences and relationships with professors and other community-members. Funding is a whole other issue. We all researched and applied grants, scholarship, work-study programs, FAFSA, and other options to help pay for school. That has been a challenge, absolutely. Good luck!