How vital is the name of a college?

[TOM 002]

I'd like to get your opinion on this subject since I am in the process of applying for graduate school.

When I say the name of a school, I'm talking about how widely known it is. Everyone should know what I'm talking about if I dropped names like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Dartmouth, any given Ivy League, etc. Whenever anyone hears you came from these colleges, there's already a sense of awe and accomplishment that comes from being in these schools. Many people (i.e. most parents) even imply that you can increase the likelihood of getting a job simply because you come from a well known, prestigious university.

However, just how important IS the name of a university really? I tend to believe that it depends from industry to industry. And even in that respects, I'm starting to believe that just because you come from a well known college doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be guarenteed a job. And even then, I've heard the mantra that, "Where you come from doesn't matter. It's what you learn." This I have seen based on reports of supposed rich kids who get into a university based solely on legacy or money and then just coast through.

Currently, I've been accepted into the Academy of Arts University and yet I'm still waiting to see if UCLA has said yes or no. Whether or not I actually get into grad school is no longer the issue, but does going into a lesser known school shoot down my job chances? Does a lesser known school mean that your education is not as good as an Ivy League? And do you think that coming from a widely known school automatically gives you all the advantages?

I really wanna hear opinions not just from students, but also from the professionals in the industry. Just how much does a college name mean to you?

[Rook]

Lehman College student:
Name mean much, its the history, experience and quality that give the school its prestige. In other words, do research.


On a personal note: My college has a 2 to 1 women/men ration. But who goes to college just for that right? ¬_¬

[Shawn Hopkins]

It means a lot, I can tell from negative example. I would have gotten a lot more job offers if I could have put Columbia Journalism School on my resume than the Kentucky state school that I went to.

[GWOtaku]

Reputation does count, and you should take the college's networking into account as well as what kind of programs or services it has in place to help you. However, performance is the #1 thing, and so it matters that you are attending a place that you are comfortable with. It's also true that ultimately, the experience and skills on your resume are going to matter a hell of a lot more than the University name that's on it.

As for education quality...heh. No, the Ivy League is most definitely not the sole source of that. That said, in general, well known Universities have a reputation for a reason. Just don't let the name drastically overwhelm all the other factors. Take a hard look at what your choices have to offer you.

[Old Guy]

It helps at first, but once you've been in the field for a while and start building a reputation that matters more.

[The Irishman]

I think your major and what type of job you're looking for can have a effect. I mean, I managed to get a job in the US having got a degree from a college no-one on this side of the pond had ever heard of let alone known about. Having said that though, I guess that makes me the exception rather than the rule. :p

[ABrown]

I think that what school you go to is such a small piece of the puzzle. These days, you have to get your foot in the door even before you get whatever degree you're looking to get. In my opinion, employers would rather promote from within than bring in someone from outside the company. At least that's what I've noticed.

[Captain Highwind]

I'm thinking about the same thing with law school. Honestly, the snooty universities just seem like money is the big decision maker.

It's what you get out of your education, and how well you're prepared for a job when you get out of college that matters, is what I've decided.

[Cool Blue]

I, myself, have been thinking of this a lot recently and have come to the conclusion that, although these reputations must have some basis, it certainly is all up to the individual. This is especially true for those pursuing degrees in the arts, and maybe other fields but im not as acqainted with those.

[G. Wen]

If you're going into the arts, which school will give you the biggest, thickest, most awesome well prepared portfolio for the real world?

[vkitty]

I am a college freshman at a relatively small Christian based university. The school is far from widely known, yet people have become very influential psychologists, teachers, professors, doctors, preachers, musicians and singers among other things. Obviously, some attended graduate school afterwards to get to where they are-- while some of these schools were big names, some weren't, these former students have similar stories and are equally successful. I, personally, don't think the name of your college should matter to an employer. There are so many things on a persons resume, you can go to the best college in the world, but if you don't have the necessary skills or experience you are not getting the job. The success of a life depends on the person and their experience, abilities, and willingness to work. Go to a college that has the programs you are seeking and an environment you will enjoy, not just some big name school that you've heard about. (I've also heard graduate students opinions on this, this statement is somewhat effected by them.)