Would you study a degree you want to study, or to study something else because the Uni. was ranked higher?

Question

okay, i want to study marketing/advertising. but not a lot of high ranked universities do it. Is it better to study the degree you want or to study something similar like business management at a higher ranked university?

Answer 1

Your best bet is to follow your heart's desire and do very well at the university that offers the degree you want. Then, apply to a prestigious graduate school which will take those skills and allow you to connect with the real world (example: BA in marketing/ MBA in Business Administration from Harvard or Yale).

Answer 2

Depending upon what electives are offered within your second choice degree you may want to think about the higher ranked University. There is kudos in some degrees. Harvard certainly open more doors than the local community college.

However if you know that the degree of first choice offers quality teaching and if it suits your needs in the profession you truly wish to pursue then go for it.

If you excel in your chosen course because your interest level is high and it suits your talents then that too will open doors for you.

A so-so degree from a prestige institution in some subject area only distantly related to your field of choice will do you no good anywhere.

Perhaps it is better to say you graduated Valedictorian than bottom 50%.You need to weigh your chances in the bigger pond. Only you know what your academic potential is.

Good luck in life, whatever you decide to do!