Hi all,
I'm finishing my bachelor's degree in Dec. 2016 and am planning to apply to MA/PhD programs this cycle. I would prefer to go straight to a PhD because I have a pretty clear idea of what I want to do and want to settle down somewhere (it feels like I've been moving constantly the last four years because I transferred schools and did internships in different cities each summer).
I want to do qualitative and mixed methods research on patient-provider communication. I'm really excited about University of South Florida's program and think it would be a great fit. Some of my advisors have cautioned me that USF isn't a highly ranked school (they say it's middle of the road) and have encouraged me to look at higher ranking schools as well (like George Mason and University of Kentucky). My question is: How much does prestige of a program matter after graduate school? Will it affect me longterm as I apply to fellowships or grants if I don't go to one of the top programs?
I know I'm farrrr away from having to make decisions about schools (haven't even applied yet lol), but I've been wondering about this subject a lot. I go to a decent but not highly ranked liberal arts college, and if anything I've appreciated the level of attention I get and more laid back atmosphere of less prestigious and competitive school.