My daughter, and Cornell University

[SizzleDog]

Whatever ..SD . If 2 resumes were identical , one from an Ivy League College and the other from Wherever U ,,,who do you think will get the job offer ??? Sadly , it does make a difference . ,,,,and I do mean sadly !

Quite frankly, any *good* employer will look at the merits of each candidate, as well as be well versed in the strengths and weaknesses of each particular major of the two schools. The "Whatever U" school I went to happens to have one of the best graphic design programs in the country. If two resumes/portfolios were identical for a Graphic design position - one studied Graphic at my school and one at an Ivy League... I'd be willing to bet the Whatever U candidate would get it.

I see it the same as dog shows - if Boysenberry Kennel was known for having good dogs, it doesn't mean that a Boysenberry dog wins every single show.

Thankfully, not all employers look at names only - some do of course, but that doesn't mean that the degree "means something", means "more" than a degree from elsewhere. It only means that the employer is more focused on "names" than actual, concrete attributes of each candidate.

But you are right that a lot of people look at names before attributes - happens in the dog world, happens in the human job market. Really is sad.

George W. Bush graduated from Yale... and IMO he's a rocket scientist who is totally capable and the most qualified candidate for his job...

 

[noodlerubyallie]

Having graduated from the same "Whatever U" as Sizzle, I understand where she's coming from. "Whatever" also has one of the best veterinary schools in the country....and its a PUBLIC, yes, public university. Needless to say, I still owe them about 50k, but that was for four years, not 1!

I understand that having an Ivy league degree probably does open more doors because of the designer label. But I also think that the school you go to has a reputation, and you yourself may not be the "complete package" that goes with the label. Good example, Sizzle

I would hope that if you were interviewing for a job, that your individual skills and experience would land it. But in the real world, it's not what you know, but who you know.

 

[Lilavati]

Well, in a given field, employers often recognize which schools are "best" for that field. At least, good employers do. But, especially if you aren't sure what you are going to do, a "designer" label is a good thing to have.

Though, I'll note, that decent employers will often recognize top notch schools that aren't necessiarily technically part of the ivy league I can think of several state schools off hand (Michigan, some of California, and Virginia) that are nearly as good for undergrad in terms of finding a job as ivy legue (better in their own areas) and just as good for graduate level stuff. But a top notch school, at least top notch in ones field, makes a big difference in life. Whether it should or shouldn't is another issue.

On the other hand, those state schools are often just as expensive for out of staters as the ivy league!

 

[drmom777]

I would like to note that all ivy league schools are required by the league to meet 100% of a student's financial need. Some do it mostly through grants with very little in the way of loans. Many, many schools do not meet 100% of need at all. Thus, for the financially needy, an Ivy League school can be a very good deal indeed.

In addition, those who are saying that getting into an Ivy League school doesn't mean anything should recognize that they are insulting those who have gone to these schools at least as much as they may or may not have been insulted themselves, by trivializing their accomplishments in going to these fine schools. And I say this never having attended an Ivy League school in my life, never sending a child to one, and being in a position where I am in a dispute with the Ivy League (not one of the individual schools) because of their failure to pay me and otherwise honor their obligations.

 

[Pam111]

Whatever ..SD . If 2 resumes were identical , one from an Ivy League College and the other from Wherever U ,,,who do you think will get the job offer ??? Sadly , it does make a difference . ,,,,and I do mean sadly !

I do have to agree, as much as we may wish it's not the case

 

[bubbatd]

All three of mine went to State Colleges ....I'm glad that they graduated !

 

[Boemy]

Interesting . . . Cornell is one of the places I'm considering transfering to, eventually. (Only if they give me a good deal, though. )

 

[SizzleDog]

In addition, those who are saying that getting into an Ivy League school doesn't mean anything should recognize that they are insulting those who have gone to these schools at least as much as they may or may not have been insulted themselves, by trivializing their accomplishments in going to these fine schools. And I say this never having attended an Ivy League school in my life, never sending a child to one, and being in a position where I am in a dispute with the Ivy League (not one of the individual schools) because of their failure to pay me and otherwise honor their obligations.

I understand what you're saying. I'm not saying that IL degrees mean nothing - it's college, it's hard work, it's a challenge - of course they mean something. But IMO, a degree from Yale or Brown in XYZ doesn't mean any more or be any more special than a degree in ABC from another non-IL school.

I suppose the original comment just really struck a nerve - it felt like a kick in the gut. People discount me *all the time* because they can't imagine that a public university in Iowa has the #3 Graphic Design program in the country - I fight that stereotype a lot when it comes to people who don't know Graphic, and it's frustrating. Going to *any* school doesn't give anyone a free pass.

 

[drmom777]

No, I understand where you are coming from, sizzle. Especially in highly specialized fields the best schools can be in very unexpected places, and at least peoiple who understand your field also understand the quality of your credentials.

However, I know the gauntlet these kids have to run to get admitted to these schools, and you have to have a certain admiration for those that can do it. i actually disagree with some of the admission criteria they use, but it certainly is a tough job getting in. Admission to one of the ivies does say something about someones credentials. Same with a select few other schools.

Of course, once they get there, half of them will be in the bottom half of the class....so it isn't like the battle is won once you get the admission letter.

My two that have gone to college both went to UNC Chapel Hill- a public school. And Rachel is at the Tyler School of Art at Temple in Philly--also a public school, and a very good art school. But they were looking for special things that the ivies didn't offer. otherwise, they would likely have applied.

 

[bubbatd]

Education is what you put into it and get out of it . My brother went to Dartmouth and never retook a freshman class he flunked , so never got his diploma !! What an idiot ! My parents were heartbroken .... I was furious because he still got top of the line jobs !! Idiot !!!! But a rich idiot !