Effect of a poorly rated undergrad?

Question

Hi all,

I have a question regarding the effect your undergrad college has on your overall MBA application. Although I graduated with a 3.8 GPA, it's from a very low rated state school. How badly will this hurt my overall MBA application?

Thanks

sdg · Answer

The GMAT is used as a way to compare all applicants on a level field. Some of the ultra elite programs may care more, but you shouldn't have any worries outside of that group.

Clicks · Answer

I want to attend either Wharton or Booth. Will a high GMAT balance out my undergrad school? Is this something that will need to be addressed in my application essays?

sdg · Answer

That's a good question. Your GPA is really high so I don't think you'll have to worry if you hit their target GMAT. Sense you have your schools narrowed down try shooting the adcon's at each school an email and ask them how they would like it addressed. The further your away from undergrad I think the less it will matter. I've read through many of these boards and other forums and have never seen it discussed. Good luck though; both are fantastic schools.

ultraeasy · Answer

I was worried about that too. Unless you really like hockey or know about civilian flight schools, the University of North Dakota doesn't have a big reputation. I just hammered out the applications, chalked up some acceptances and no one ever mentioned anything about my college. So maybe it's not that big of an issue.

Good luck.

Good luck.

xerox · Answer

What are you going to write? "I went to a school that really sucked back in the day, but look at my mighty GMAT!" ???

Do not worry about the rank of your school. Who came up with that ranking, anyways? Is this rank an objective measure? If it is not objective, it does not matter that much.

What did you achieve with the education you got? This is what matters.

I am a prime example of a person who went to a no-name undergrad (Chita State Pedagogical Institute ring a bell?); I majored in Chinese and English, and minored in Education. My major allowed me to reach the ranks of United Nations translators in Chinese, Russian and English, and my minor allowed me to be charge of a private university, a major international school (all in China) and my own enterprise (in Russia).

Business schools do not punish applicants for not having attended a big name undergrad school. Although it does help a little to have a big name on your resume under "Education", this single factor will not be decisive when they evaluate your candidature.

Remember, all factors TOGETHER matter and this combination is something that should be the core of your application strategy.

Good luck!

AceofSpades · Answer

I don't think you need to worry about that. If you look up the list of undergrad schools whose graduates make it to HBS (the list is on the HBS website), it's quite a varied mixfrom the lesser known to the more reputed ones. At the end of the day, what matters most is your application and who you are.

thomas92 · Answer

From what I hear, it often matters more how you did than where you went, and then how you package it all...

DrShelle · Answer

The top business schools accept candidates from a broad range of schools, so you can potentially be competitive based on your GPA, even if your school is not well ranked nationally. But the GPA is important in the context of your overall profile and strength of candidacy, so make sure your whole package looks great.

dokiyoki · Answer

You have a very good GPA.
Assuming your GMAT score is competitive enough and you have a compelling application package, I see no reason for you to not get into a school of your choice.

I would suggest you to not pay undue importance to this aspect of your profile. Rather focus on your applications.

atb

JCTplus3 · Answer

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I was accepted to Booth from Baylor. Granted it wouldn't hurt if you did your undergrad at a top program, but I would focus on what you can control: GMAT, volunteer work, and work experience.

DrShelle · Answer

Hi,

I have another bit of advice. Make sure that when you write your essays and when you prepare for the MBA admissions interviews that will hopefully come your way, that you don't apologize for the college you attended. With a strong academic performance like yours, always present your choice of undergraduate institution as one made with great intention and one that gave you precisely what you were looking for. You earned an A average, so don't undercut that--you should present your academics as a clear shining reason why you should gain admission to the MBA program of your choice. I cover advice like this in a book I wrote, published by McGraw Hill, called How to Interview Like a Top MBA (available on Amazon).

Best wishes,
Dr. Shelly L. Watts of MBA Admit.com

riverripper · Answer

I went to a no name school, my advantage was that it was a rather unique school. Personally I think what you do after school can really differentiate you. If you went to Princeton and did nothing that impressive with your life afterwards it is going to be harder to get in over someone who went to Something State College but managed to be very successful afterwards. Its pretty clear people from top undergrads have the advantage of getting access to the best companies/jobs coming out of school and they also make the bulk of students at top MBAs...I would say almost everyone in my class went to a big name undergrad. Those that didn't often had the more interesting/unique backgrounds.

shadow · Answer

i went to a very small / no name engineering school and had a moderate GPA (3.4 range). i balanced that out with my academic achievements during undergrad + good GMAT.

my take on it is: if you went to a small / no name undergrad school, why did you choose it? was there anything special? scholarship $$? stayed local to help family? in my case, it was the chance to double major at no extra cost. if you can identify that in your case, then you should express it well in your essays

Effect of a poorly rated undergrad?

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