Colleges, Reputations and Choices

[Zrow]

As I am sure many members of this board are aware, its rolling around the time where college acceptances (and rejections) are being recieved and choices to what college people are attending are being made. Among factors people take into account, it seems to me a one of much importance to many is the school's prestige or reputation.

Being just a high school student and obviously lacking any experience in today's workplace (or maybe grad school admissions committee), I was wondering if anyone could provide any insight into just how much these people take into account where you have gone to school. Does it matter to employers and businesses if you go to a top ranked school vs a more local state college? Where is the line drawn to where it doesn't matter much? Are you more likely to get into a good grad school if (disregarding grades and the like) if you go to a more reputable school as opposed to a lesser one? Of course Ivy League would help, so I'm not really focusing on those necessarily. People who have graduated grad school's advice would especially help, perhaps Der Alta or Danoff. Of course, all input is appreciated.

I really am asking for a reason, so maybe you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. I have to choose between two schools: Towson University and the University of Delaware. Both are close, Delaware is more expensive, I know a few people going to Towson. However, everyone I've ever known who's gone to Delaware has said they loved it, and they seem to be "ranked" higher than Towson. My question is how much that rank counts in the real world.

Sorry for the XX-L size post.

 

[Der Alta]

As I am sure many members of this board are aware, its rolling around the time where college acceptances (and rejections) are being recieved and choices to what college people are attending are being made. Among factors people take into account, it seems to me a one of much importance to many is the school's prestige or reputation.

Being just a high school student and obviously lacking any experience in today's workplace (or maybe grad school admissions committee), I was wondering if anyone could provide any insight into just how much these people take into account where you have gone to school. Does it matter to employers and businesses if you go to a top ranked school vs a more local state college? Where is the line drawn to where it doesn't matter much? Are you more likely to get into a good grad school if (disregarding grades and the like) if you go to a more reputable school as opposed to a lesser one? Of course Ivy League would help, so I'm not really focusing on those necessarily. People who have graduated grad school's advice would especially help, perhaps Der Alta or Danoff. Of course, all input is appreciated.

I really am asking for a reason, so maybe you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. I have to choose between two schools: Towson University and the University of Delaware. Both are close, Delaware is more expensive, I know a few people going to Towson. However, everyone I've ever known who's gone to Delaware has said they loved it, and they seem to be "ranked" higher than Towson. My question is how much that rank counts in the real world.

Sorry for the XX-L size post.

Unless it's an Ivy League college, rank counts for Jack in the real world. Perhaps the only time your college choice would come into play is if you were apply for a job that one of the firm partners had attended the same institution. What matters the most, is how you did in that school and what your portfolio looks like. I went to Vermont Technical College and Norwich University. Neither of which are well known or famous.

Currently on my desk are two projects. One is in the $12million range, and the other is in the $17m range. Previous projects ranged from $6m additions to a school to a full $47m school. I'm also the Vice President of a Non-profit organization. When I go for an interview, are they really going to be concerned with where I went to school? No, they're going to want to see the projects I've helmed. They're going to want to talk to me to evaluate my character. They'll call references, but chances are they already know my reputation. The Architecture Profession is that way.

A job interview depends on what you know and what they perceive. One rule of business, be on time and prepared, and you'll beat 50% of the competition.

So, if I were in your shoes, what would I do? I'd visit each college, and look into the classrooms. Which one is going to give you a better education? The better education means a better grad school. Which has better extra curricular activities? More taken opportunities there will show a perspective employer what you can do. While playing soccer, did you turn into a team captain? That shows leadership. Which school has a cross section of students? Which school is going to give you better real world experience?

MY brother went to a small local college. He came out with next to no real world experience. He worked hard and learned as much as he could at each company. The first company he worked for within 4 years he had his own office. With in a year from that they were considering him for a partner. He's not there anymore, he went to another company that would help him further his career goals. College experience doesn't mean a whole lot once you're 3 years out. What will mean more is how you perform.

After virtually touring both Towson and University of Delaware, I get the impression that UDel is a bigger campus. I can't offer you a distinct answer.

I can say that the college of choice isn't as big a consideration when you're a few years out of school.

Duke would be a good person to answer this as well. I know he's just a bit north of DC and has grad school experience.

Good luck, and if I need to clarify a point or two, ask away.

AO

 

[Duke]

I'll second what AO says to great extent. In general, there is a tier of colleges/universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton - the Usual Suspects - that get attention on a resume. After that what matters more to a prospective employer is (in some order, but not rigid order):

• Degree level
• Portfolio of work - summer experience, part time work, or samples if it's that type of job
• Grades - will get a brief glance

That being said, certain specialty professions have certain schools that are excellent in that specialty without necessarily being a standout in general. For instance, University of Delaware is a very good overall school. However, they're one of the top Chemical Engineering schools in the country. If you have a specific career in mind it will pay to talk to a few professionals and get their read on good schools like that.

I don't know too much about Towson, but I do know that UD is in general a very good school for the price. Many of my kids' friends' parents are professors there. It's a biggish school for the size of the state (nothing like Penn State Main Campus or something like that, but 10-15,000 students) and they have a lot of facilities. They're certainly not alergic to spending money on buildings and labs and equipment, and they have a fairly big and popular athletic program if you're interested in that. Newark in general is a good college town though it is not truly urban. You're a hour from Baltimore or Philly, though you can take the train.

What are you planning on studying?