Better College or Just Settle?

Question

Hey guys,
I'm in somewhat of a dilemma. Here's my deal. I'm a 20 year old guy from Louisiana. I'm trying to figure out what I should do academically. I've spent the last couple of years taking classes at a small local college, on and off. Things have been sort of rough, personally, and after Hurricane Katrina everything has been a little crazy in the state, especially with colleges.

After much exploration, I've decided that I would like to become a professor of anthropology or international studies. I read a lot on my own, and I've always been a good student, and although my first couple of college years were turbulent, I want to really pursue my studies seriously.

Now, the most practical option is LSU, which is ranked pretty low academically, but I get in state tuition. My parents are anxious for me to just finish. But I want to build a serious academic foundation and CV, and have an enriching time. Should I just try to make the best of LSU? Or shoot for more? I'm struggling here.

Answer 1

I can't speak to its reputation in your discipline, but overall, LSU is seen as a fairly good school. Obviously, if you are able to go to a top school, you should try for that, but if not, LSU should be a reasonable start. I'm not sure, though, why you think it would take longer elsewhere.

Answer 2

Settle for LSU

Here's why:

#1 I am an LSU graduate ((but I went to the better campus in Shreveport :) ))

#2 To become a professor you will need a doctorate. Therefore, the site of your undergraduate degree will be unimportant, GPA is more important. If you want a step up, do it at the graduate level.

#3 In state tuition is nothing to laugh at, and believe me, you do not want to start the old student loan thing that haunts you for the rest of your life...

#4 Entering college is tough enough without leaving home to do it. Tried that myself and found myself back home graduating at LSUS. You will probably have more success at a school such as LSU which is close to home.

Answer 3

I'm with "IamCount"-

You will need a Ph.D. Even if you go to a better college, it is not likely that they will accept you for their Ph.D. program. They like to 'cross-pollinate so coming from LSU is not necessarily a disadvantage. You might even have a slight edge since some programs are concerned with a geographical distribution of students. It's nice to be at a better school, but unless its Ivy League, the bottom line is still your GRE scores, index and extra-curic. activities. At the moment, get your BS with the highest grade point possible and the least amount of loans. Get involved with something to do with your chosen field- even if you just can just volunteer.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Well, first off, it sounds like maybe you need to do more research. You're making a big ole' broad, sweeping statement that LSU is ranked "pretty low academically" that makes me wonder if you're not basing your assumptions on conversations with friends and relatives and people you know rather than doing the research.

If you're deadly serious about the degrees in Anthro, you need to decide what branch of anthropology you want to study. Physical, Cultural? Within that, where do you want to focus. Then you need to go out and find which local, regional schools have a good department in the area you want to focus on.

For example, if you were interested in the archaeology side of cultural anthropology, in the State of Louisiana, ULL and Northwestern Louisiana State University both have good archaeology departments focusing on local archaeology- ULL's is more straight up archaeology, I understand, while Northwestern's is more CRM but either one would hold you in good stead for going on and getting a master's or PhD at a bigger school. (I have no idea what LSU's archaeology program is like, btw.)

(For that matter, if it's cultural anthro you're interested in, you might want to look up Northwestern and ULL no matter what. Yes, they're regional schools, but they've got good reps internationally for their areas of expertise in cultural anthropology.)

I'd do a little bit of research - go read the Anthropology journals at your local university, find the areas you like, find out where those people are teaching. Try to focus in on Louisiana people, then go to school there.

DO YOUR RESEARCH.

Answer 5

This is your future,not your parents. You could go 10 plus years and it sounds like you are very wise for your age. So whatever is takes for you to achieve your dreams.Yes,LSU has some really good pros. But,if you are not getting a great education,you deserve more. Shoot for dreams,never, ever, settle. Not for your parents,girlfriends or anyone. It's your life,do not cut yourself short.You will regret it,do not sell yourself for less than what you are worth!!!! Why your parents anxious for you to finish? So,they will have the house alone or,why?

Answer 6

Shoot for more! It might be good for you to go to a less hectic state anyway, after Katrina.

Answer 7

Your not gonna wanna do it but in the long run the better college pays. you will look back and be happy.

Answer 8

dude... just settle at a better college. shoot, dude. for more.