Attend So-So School or Reapply?

[jean21]

Hi everyone!  I was wondering if anyone had any insight on how important the rank/reputation of the program you attend is when looking for a job after graduating (specifically in academia).  It's looking like I'm only going to have 1-2 acceptances, both from so-so schools.  I did like the one school I interviewed at quite a bit (still waiting to hear the final decision).  There were some projects I was interested in and it's in my preferred city, but it's not ranked that highly and I know getting a job in academia is very competitive.  I am currently working at a university as a research technician, and after talking with a professor here, it seems like program rank is very important.  He suggested that if I don't get into a top program I should reapply next year, hopefully after a publication or two. 

 

As of now, I'm leaning towards going to this school I liked (if I am accepted), but I can't stop thinking about what this professor said and how my decision will affect my future.  He made it sound like it will be nearly impossible for me to get a job in academia if I don't go to one of the best schools.  Does this seem reasonable, or do you think he is exaggerating? 

 

For those of you who had acceptances before and choose to reapply, what factors did you consider? 

 

Thanks so much!

[rustledjimmies]

I believe that academia is a highly rank-oriented system. If you want to WORK in academia, you don't need a highly ranked university on your c.v., but if you want to be well-known in your field and work at a highly-ranked university, you almost NEED to have a PhD from a highly ranked University. 

 

Just think about the way you react to papers from professors at highly ranked universities compared to some state school you've never even heard of. It's natural, it's a part of academia and it isn't going away anytime soon. 

 

the self-fulfilling prophecy of academia also makes it difficult for new universities to become highly ranked and get recognition for themselves without herculean effort.

 

this is just MY OPINION, and take it as such! best of luck to you in your decision!!

[anthropologygeek]

I know hard sciences value rank a lot more than most fields

[RiseofthePhoenix]

Depends on what you mean by "so-so school". Also, what matters more is what the ranking of your specific program is. It's impossible to answer your question without knowing more details.

[selecttext]

 rank is one of those superficial metrics that professors latch onto even as they build their own careers at low rank universities. the most important thing is to publish frequently in good journals. if your potential supervisor is very active, the ranking of the school doesn't make a huge difference at the graduate level. it is also important to consider how well known and connected your supervisor is because in many instances, a letter of introduction or referee report will be more important than the name of your school.

Edited February 24, 2013 by selecttext