[Chris Fultz]

REPUTATION COUNTS.

Many big companies only recruit at top 10 schools. Due to the expenses of sending a recruiting team, and the numbers of new hires each year, companies cannot send teams all over the country to interview. They tend
to go to schools that have solid reputations in their fields and where the graduates have a good track record at the company. This doesn;t mean they won't hire you if you go to a different school, but youhave to open more doors for yourself.

When considering schools, don't just think that because YOU have not heard of a school that it doesn't have a good reputation. Check the major new magazines annual surveys and other publications for rankings. Call some potential employers and ask them where they recruit (or if they recruit at all).

I also agree with the comments about finding a good school with several strong programs. The average new college student changes majors several times. You want to be able to stay at the same school if you decide to switch majors - credits don't always transfer if you move.