If you want to stay in academia, I think that is valid advice but what if you want to pursue something else?

I am not saying you aren't a doctor if you attend medical school in Iowa, but what is the likelihood of getting the residency you want? I cannot believe how competitive it is to get a good residency these days.

Or if you want a job in a top law firm or investment bank.

Investment banks tend to like a few schools and yes, the focus is on the MBA but getting into the MBA is competitive too and more kids from top schools tend to get into Harvard and Wharton MBA programs.

But if you want to stay in academia, that is a different story.

Since I went to Wall Street, I am not familiar and will take your experience as knowledge.

Ren