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Bentley has some program with Brandeis but it doesn't apply to what I want to study, economics. I have looked at other schools that I could transfer to that would be worth it if I got in; Northwestern and NYU. Any thing else are just good state schools but the cost the same as bentley and don't add prestige as they have good graduate program but that doesn't mean good undergrad as their undergrad is seen as less prestigious. So the question is should I just attempt at getting a research assistant position with the more well known economists at bentley or possible at a think tank and just get good marks, or to possbily go to a good phd program do I need to go to a NYU or Harvard level school. Most people I asked including family and friends are saying just keep up my marks in Bentley and make it clear to the economics department that I want to go to grad school (its a small department so far they have been really nice) but I don't know. I like the small size of Bentley a lot and the few economists that teach here are relatively well known. My best option is I guess is to wait till this new semester is over and think it over the summer. If anyone has experience applying to PhD programs or even MA (I could do so to reposition my self later) your advice would be most appreciated. (so far I really appreciate Catrina, Food4Thought , and EconHead for your responses)

I think I could do well. Does coming from a business school that only well known in Boston hurt my chances at a top 40 program or does it depend on my research and grades.

Hello, Currently I am enrolled in a little university known as Bentley. It is a small business university. I like it but I don't feel like the environment and opportunity will allow me to have research experience or good recommendation letters. My current GPA is 3.71 (mind you I am a freshman into second semester). I think that I could possibly transfer to NYU, U of Michigan, Northwestern, or possible somewhere else. Outside of accounting and finance Bentley is not well known and really now I am dead set on pursuing economics career. Here is the kick, I have a scholarship at Bentley that covers half my tuition. Its a great help to my parents and even though they say its okay if I change schools I feel bad for wasting my merit scholarship, however I could use the merit scholarship to get accepted at a reputable economics program. So should I transfer to a better undergrad to position myself for a good PhD (top40ish) or should I stay and try to preform better? This is very important as deadline are approaching and any answer would give me a piece of mind. Thanks in advance.