Do I really need to go to UnderGrad to get into Grad School?

Question

I was wondering if I really, really need to go to Under Grad School to get accepted into a Grad School? I read somewhere that if you're especially smart (or something along those lines), then maybe you don't need to go? I was hoping I wouldn't have to do four years of normal college to get into my dream school, JFK School of Govmnt. But I learned you supposedly need to go to undergrad to go to a school like JFK...

I know many people who have written essays or gotten especially good grades and got full scholarships into what I thought were Grad schools, but I'm thinking they were just Under Grad... I'm a sophomore who's freaking out about college (I JUST today found out about GRAD and UNDERGRAD, so maybe that helps), so any advice you all can offer would be great!

Answer 1

I would say you have a virtually zero chance of getting into Grad School without an undergrad degree. You're thinking in terms of the degrees - education is a process, and after being in college, I can safely say that there is no way anyone would be able to go straight into grad school from high school, unless it was in a weird subject where education doesn't really matter (like art or music).

To make matters worse, you're talking about JFK! Brilliant people go to top schools and still fight to get into JFK! I cannot see how someone without an undergrad degree can acquire the knowledge that entering students into JFK have. The average person entering JFK has an undergrad degree with top marks, have 1-3 years of work experience, and are demonstrated leaders. And high school president does not impress anyone at this level. Some of the people who sit there became Prime Ministers, Presidents, Senators, etc.

Even if you are that smart and miraculously do get accepted, you will most likely be scorned and feel like an outsider...perhaps even despised as many might feel insulted that a high-school graduate could be in the same room with them.

I would advise going to college and then grad school. Most of the things lessons you learn about life start in college; it's a whole different ball-game. You'll be away from your parents (hopefully, as staying at home while attending univ. deprives you a chance to become independent) and you'll be left to grow up.

And you will realize: college isn't that easy either. Esp. if you go to a good one. Don't feel like you're underachieving if you don't do something phenomenal. Go to undergrad, and work hard, and try for a Rhodes scholarship if you're that ambitious.

Answer 2

Almost everyone has to go to an undergraduate school (and get a degree from one) before going to a grad school. There are very few exceptions: one that comes to mind is George W. Bush's personal assistant, Blake Gottesman, who will enter Harvard business school without an undergraduate degree. But he obviously has friends in VERY high places, and considerable real-world experience.

It's highly unlikely that the people you're talking about, if they were Seniors in high school at the time, were accepted directly to grad school.
Basically, unless you know the president or have started your own multi-million dollar business, you're not going to get into graduate school without attending undergraduate school first. . . especially not a school like Harvard's JFK School of Government.

The JFK School teaches advanced political theory and is meant for people who have alredy received a rigorous college education. Besides, you may change your mind while in college about what you want to do. Don't worry about rushing things, and don't freak out about college. If you're burned out before you even start, your chances of reaching your goals are going to be slim. Good luck.

Answer 3

You almost always need undergrad before grad school. Occasionally, professional schools (like veterinary school) will admit students who have 3 years of undergrad, and no degree but they have met all of the entrance requirements. But for grad school (Masters or PhD) you need an undergraduate degree.

Answer 4

Hi, I think you have to go to undergraduate school to then be accepted into grad school.

Bachelors degrees are undergraduate degrees you get after typically your first four years in college. After you receive your bachelors degree, you are eligible to go to grad school to get a Masters, Doctorate.

Answer 5

yeah you have to go to undergrad first.