<p>Somewhat recently I decided that I want to go out and get an MBA within the next few years. For me, the MBA would not be worth it unless I go to a top notch school (I'm looking at Michigan, UChicago, Northwestern, Stanford, and the Ivies). I graduated in 2005 from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) with a 3.84 GPA. I majored in actuarial science and I have been working for a big 4 consulting firm for the last 4 years. As of recently, I am also a new FSA (for those who know what that is). Also, my GMAT score was 700 if that helps. Anyways, to get to my point, do I still have a chance of admission into these top-flight programs? Or will my little-known undergraduate university put me at a big disadvantage? Did I make a mistake by not going to a more well-known university like the U of Minnesota or UW-Madison? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.</p>
<p>i’m just a business undergrad, but from what i’ve researched about MBA programs, a lot of it is based on work experience. you have a solid GPA and a good GMAT, but idk if you’ll definitely get into HBS or other top MBAs. i’ve heard the top b-schools do give preference to applicants from top undergrads, such as the ivies and others but i know someone who went to northwestern’s kellogg school with a degree from northern illinois university and a lower GPA than you, so i don’t think you’re excluded from the top tier schools, just know that they’ll put a lot of emphasis on your work experience, not just your GPA and GMAT, so if you have any unique work related experiences i’d highlight that on your app and include good recs.</p>
<p>Not much really. It’s like getting an interview for a mid-level work. By the way, having a FSA is more impressive than having a degree from Harvard and you did it in a rather short period of time. Congrats!</p>
<p>It helps because if you read their websites, one of the factors is your undergraduate program. If you have a good GMAT then that would make up for it.</p>
<p>sounds like youre a competitive applicant, an obscure UG won’t matter much, particularly if youve worked for a bit</p>
<p>FSA? Yea you are a competitive applicant for sure. Your UG won’t matter, you have solid work experience, gmat, and gpa.</p>