Edward Said:

Stay, transfer schools, or graduate school? How to be certified? Other advice?

We Answered:

I'm in a much different field (engineering), but had the same dilemma and, looking back, made the wrong choice. So, I can hope I can help you avoid going through the same thing I went through.

I went a small engineering school that is highly ranked; however, it is not widely recognized outside of its general geographic area nor outside people "in the know". Specifically, I am referring to Human Resource staffers.

The hard truth I learned is that HR people - in general - are lazy and rather dim-witted. They equate recognition with reputation. Basically, if you attend a big-name school that's widely know (e.g. any sports powerhouse) you have a better shot at getting through the initial screening process than a graduate from a small, top-ranked school.

To remedy this, I went to a large state school (that also happened to be highly-ranked) to get my Masters and had a MUCH easier time finding a job...even though I know either its graduate or undergraduate program couldn't hold a candle to my smaller undergraduate school.

The bottom-line is this, go to a school with wide name recognotion, even if it is the "not-so-good program". You will have a much easier time finding a job. There is no way I will allow my child to attend my undergrad alma mater for this reason.