Attending a lower ranked grad school

[Green Star]

I was wondering what everyone's opinions would be on going to a MA IR program that was ranked lower, or in a lower tier, than my undergrad was. I went to what is probably considered one of the best IR schools in the country (was ranked as a top 5 undergrad IR school by Foreign Policy) and don't know whether or not it would be a good move to go down to a lower ranked program. Personally, I don't think that school by school rankings carry much merit but I do believe that there are definitely varying tiers of universities.

I don't want to come across as being an elitist snob, but I'm curious as to how people think going form an elite school to a less prestigious one wold look professionally and/or for pursuing a future JD or PhD?

[africagirl]

I would try to talk to those in hiring positions in your future career path and get their input. I spoke with someone in mine and he said it that Georgetown and George Washington were both looked upon with equal respect in hiring circles. Thus, I chose the less expensive one!

[HisRoyalHighness]

I found the inclusion of undergraduate ranking for IR programs in the latest Foreign Policy to be strange. No one cares where you went to undergrad once you're in graduate school.