Does the college name count?

[Phil 33]

I'm only in my first year here at the University of Michigan. I'll admit, part of my decision to come here was influenced by the prestige of Michigan Engineering. However I quickly learned that in many ways, reputation is overrated.

I agree with what Mort said, visit both, and just see which one you like better. That's what matters most. There's no wrong answer, it's just about what you like the most, or what feels right. Big schools and small schools each have their advantages and disadvantages. Wherever you decide to go, take advantage of whatever's there.

And from what I've heard time and time again from so many different people: your degree will get you your first job. After that, interviewers probably won't even ask you where you went to college, they'll just want to know what you've done.

[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.

[Chriszuma]

Be careful with your college rankings though. Rose-Hulman is ranked near #1 Engineering College in all these books, but people who work with my dad (who hire people) frequently have never heard of that school. Good rankings in the books doesn't mean good reputation.