Going to a mediocre school

[socnerd]

So yesterday I had a conversation with my advisor about the fact that I am broadening my net significantly in terms of applying to grad schools. I don't have very good grades/test scores (3.1 GPA, 1200 GRE) and I am very worried that I won't get in anywhere (This is all for Master's, not PhD). I've decided to apply to some lesser-known programs that may not be very good and she said to me "You know, if you decide to go to a lesser-known, lower-quality program you will have to explain that decision for the rest of your life." She was concerned that if I can only get into a school like say, West Virginia University or Ohio University that it will hurt me forever in trying to get a job or go on to a PhD (which I don't think I want to do at this point). I understand this but my thoughts were, I am not trying to get a really prestigious job. All I really want to do is work for the government or some company doing research, so I thought that if I just get my Master's from someplace that would be good enough.. Am I wrong? Should I be really concerned that if I go to a less-than-reputable program that I'll never find a job? I know I should check out where their grades are now and I am planning to do so if I actually get into any of these schools. I know it would be easy to say if you don't get in just wait a year and apply again, but I really need to be in school this fall. I don't have any other options and the job prospects are very bleak. Just wondering what other people thought about this, I'm sure you all have more experience and insight into this than I do. Thanks

[socialcomm]

So yesterday I had a conversation with my advisor about the fact that I am broadening my net significantly in terms of applying to grad schools. I don't have very good grades/test scores (3.1 GPA, 1200 GRE) and I am very worried that I won't get in anywhere (This is all for Master's, not PhD). I've decided to apply to some lesser-known programs that may not be very good and she said to me "You know, if you decide to go to a lesser-known, lower-quality program you will have to explain that decision for the rest of your life." She was concerned that if I can only get into a school like say, West Virginia University or Ohio University (not OSU) that it will hurt me forever in trying to get a job or go on to a PhD (which I don't think I want to do at this point). I understand this but my thoughts were, I am not trying to get a really prestigious job. All I really want to do is work for the government or some company doing research, so I thought that if I just get my Master's from someplace that would be good enough.. Am I wrong? Should I be really concerned that if I go to a less-than-reputable program that I'll never find a job? I know I should check out where their grades are now and I am planning to do so if I actually get into any of these schools. I know it would be easy to say if you don't get in just wait a year and apply again, but I really need to be in school this fall. I don't have any other options and the job prospects are very bleak. Just wondering what other people thought about this, I'm sure you all have more experience and insight into this than I do. Thanks

From someone in industry right now... if you're not looking for a prestigious job, I think gaining the skills/knowledge you'll need from 'a mediocre school' as you put it will be fine! I work for an organization that does research and I really couldn't tell you what school or what degree most of my colleagues have. Also, if you work hard at the mediocre school to get as much out of it as you can, perhaps publish and present at conferences etc... in a sense you can rise above the school.

Have you done informational interviews with anyone who's in a position you might want in a future? Might give you a good idea of what's required for what you want to do.

[RoRo]

From someone in industry right now... if you're not looking for a prestigious job, I think gaining the skills/knowledge you'll need from 'a mediocre school' as you put it will be fine! I work for an organization that does research and I really couldn't tell you what school or what degree most of my colleagues have. Also, if you work hard at the mediocre school to get as much out of it as you can, perhaps publish and present at conferences etc... in a sense you can rise above the school.

Have you done informational interviews with anyone who's in a position you might want in a future? Might give you a good idea of what's required for what you want to do.

I was wondering the same sort of thing for a PhD program. If the program isn't high ranking would that effect the initegrity of my degree? I have not decided if I would like to be a professor and do research for the area I live in or if I would just like to do rsearch for the area I live. Would I be less likely to be placed as a professor if I worked hard at a not so amazing school? I applied to many well ranking schools and didn't get into any (5 rejects so far). If I get into a not that amazing school should I pursue the program or just try and apply to the better programs next year?

[myrrh]

I was wondering the same sort of thing for a PhD program. If the program isn't high ranking would that effect the initegrity of my degree? I have not decided if I would like to be a professor and do research for the area I live in or if I would just like to do rsearch for the area I live. Would I be less likely to be placed as a professor if I worked hard at a not so amazing school? I applied to many well ranking schools and didn't get into any (5 rejects so far). If I get into a not that amazing school should I pursue the program or just try and apply to the better programs next year?

Apparently it depends on in what kind of schools would you expect yourself to work. And also which those "not that amazing" schools are. My suggestion is: survey the schools you can accept to be the place where you END UP to teach (not your first job), and check out their faculty. If they have some people from the schools as amazing as your "not that amazing school", you could perhaps make it to go there in the end. However, you have to know, this survey would never guarantee anything. It's just a hint.

And you could think about who your advisor would be. Although the super stars are usually in the big-name schools, I know there are a lot (if not tons) of outstanding professors in 20-50 schools and promising young scholars in 50-100 schools.

Last, but not least important, having good works matters. Well, it could be most important actually.

[ineedcaffeine]

Actually, your grades/scores aren't bad at all. I think you might be a little too critical on yourself. I'm already in a ranked program in sociology and I have many classmates and friends who have worse grades than you are. I even have friends that have comparable grades/scores that are in mid-tier programs. That said, don't short change yourself. Apply to some competitive programs and to be safe, apply to OS and WVU at the same time. You might be surprise.

I did my M.A at a mediocre school and that has become my "master status", both in and outside academia. Going to a good school open up doors and opportunities for you, regardless of your desire to be a professor or work in a non-profit. But having the prestige of a good school never hurt anyone.

[Roll Right]

Not attending a 'prestigious' sociology program at the PhD level can hurt you in the hiring process. My undergrad, which was not prestigious, only looked at professors who attended top 50 schools (according to US News and World Report). They wouldn't even talk people from other schools. Now, granted, this is just one school out of a lot. But I think you could get into a ranked school with those scores. Why aren't you using the standard 2 reach schools, 2 mid level, 2 safety?? 6 schools, and a good chance of getting into each one....

[socnerd]

On 3/2/2010 at 11:56 PM, Roll Right said:

Why aren't you using the standard 2 reach schools, 2 mid level, 2 safety?? 6 schools, and a good chance of getting into each one....

I would never try to get into academia, I know I'd never be competitive there. As for this, I felt like I had no way of knowing what school would be a match for me because they don't post their stats anywhere. I applied to 14 schools and I have no idea where I fall with each one. I foolishly applied to 5 PhD programs but have already been rejected from 3 of them and expect 2 more. T

I spent a lot of time looking for schools that might remotely appeal to me based on location and research and tried to cast a wide net, I really have no idea how I stack up at the places I applied to. I looked forever for average GPA/GRE scores but they don't release that kind of information. Guess I'll just have to see. Thanks to all the replies!