Begrette

True. More than likely both students and employers look at the same websites. By the way, do you have any comments for my post (#15)?

What are your goals?

Compelling arguments. So the varying acceptance rates of grad programs are "competitively separate" from the holistic admissions process of our undergrad counterparts. However, being accepted as a graduate student doesn't insinuate that one's acceptance to the same university is less deserving. On the contrary, there aren't that many people who choose to get an advanced degree, so the applicant pool for graduates is comparatively smaller. When one factors a program's rank, its applicant pool size, and the experience of each applicant into the equation, he or she could argue that gaining admission into a "prestigious," top-tier graduate program is significantly harder than enrolling as an undergrad. Therefore, it's incongruous to assert that a program's paradoxically high acceptance rate means it's easier for someone to be offered admission as a graduate student. That's because the pool of applicants for us is much smaller and more experienced. Consequently, if the graduate student decided to apply as an undergrad, his or her application would theoretically outshine the applications of those who were inexperienced; thereby "stealing" a spot in the undergraduate class. (Duh.) I'd be very interested in testing out this supposition. But I suspect acceptance rates for graduate programs may change in the future. As more and more people want an advanced degree, the applicant pool for graduate students will expand and subsequently lower the acceptance rates for many of these programs. A larger, more diverse and qualified applicant pool will mean a harder time for those aspiring to study at such top-tier programs. This is already evident in business and medical.

The latter part of your post, was it meant to be sarcastic? Could you also comment on the prominent issue explained in post #8?

Yes, I am analyzing the selection process to assess my overall performance. Basically, I'm confused by the ranking system. There are ranks for national universities, graduate schools, grad programs (e.g., education), and "specialties" (e.g., education administration and supervision). What's more important in terms of admission: the program or the specialty? If one's "specialty" isn't ranked in the top ten, what does that imply about the program itself? And, competitively speaking, what if one's specialty is a field that most people did not want to research at that particular university? Did he or she get into the program because not many were seeking admission for that specialty? Could such a situation occur at an Ivy League school, meaning that one was admitted to the university on account of a more lenient selection process, a selection process more lenient than its undergrads and other graduate programs (e.g., business)? I prefer not to get into a discussion about the benefits of attending an Ivy League school (i.e., increased salaries, better jobs, and so forth). People in other forums have argued that topic ad nauseam, which is a vastly different issue than the one I'm trying to figure out. Just so everyone knows, I based my decision on faculty, location, and the history of the campus. I didn't even know that some of the schools I initially applied for were Ivy League. Perhaps I should also point out that my friend attended one of these universities. I told him about my acceptance to his school, and he commented that getting into that particular Ivy League university was easier at the graduate level. Admittedly, it was a pretentious thing to say, but his statement sparked my curiosity.

Wow. When you put it that way, it sounds as if forum members are quick to judge. I'm merely curious about whether an undergrad's acceptance is comparable to the acceptance of a grad student at the same university. Regardless of classification, does his or her acceptance to that university carry the same weight?

I'm curious as to why members are using the thumbs down function to denigrate my concerns. Such behavior only serves to promote the Ivy League stigma. FYI: My intention was not to offend anyone personally, emotionally, or intellectually. KTEL, I want to understand the process of undergraduate and graduate admissions. How does one gauge himself or herself against the undergrads at a top tier institution? Is it comparable when both types of students were admitted to the same university? I couldn't find a definitive answer after scouring the internet, so I'm asking here.

Would people be willing to reply if I rephrase the question this way: "Is it easier to get into an Ivy League's graduate program than its undergrad program?"

I was accepted to several colleges that have reputable and highly ranked graduate programs in education. Three of the colleges that accepted me are Ivy League, sharing spots in the "USA Top Ten Education Schools." Just a little background info, though: I didn't attend an Ivy League school as an undergrad, so I'm very honored by their respective offer of admission. But I'm concerned about the competitiveness of getting into such a "prestigious" school and program as a grad student. I wouldn't feel right if I humbly told people the name of my Ivy League alma mater knowing it was much easier to get into its graduate school.