The importance of Undergrad Prestige

<p>I am currently a junior in high school, and my grades were adequate (B average in all AP's) but really nothing to write home about. I have finally come to grips with the reality that I will not be going to a fantastic university right out of high school, but I don't want that to hinder chances of future academic prowess.</p>

<p>So my question is: If I want to apply to more elite graduate schools to get an MBA, how much significance will the prestige of my undergraduate school carry? (As opposed to grades, work experience, etc.) If I apply to ivy league schools out of lets say UC Riverside with a 3.8 GPA and some guy from MIT applies to ivy leagues with something like a 3.4, who will win the admissions battle? </p>

<p>Thank you to those who responded. You have helped greatly.</p>

<p>Try this:
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<p>“If I apply to ivy league schools out of lets say UC Riverside with a 3.8 GPA and some guy from MIT applies to ivy leagues with something like a 3.4, who will win the admissions battle?”</p>

<p>Based on that information alone, the MIT applicant will probably almost always beat the UC Riverside applicant. From that point of view, the quality of the undergraduate institution matters. </p>

<p>This said, graduate schools do not merely look at GPA within the context of the undergraduate institution attended. They also look at standardized test scores (GMAT in the case of MBA programs), application essays, alumni interview reports, and, possibly most of all to MBA programs, proven professional track record. MBA programs really respond well to applicants who have worked for several years and accomplished much in the workplace. </p>

<p>A candidate with a 3.4 GPA from a lower ranked school but with a strong GMAT (over 700) and track record of professional success (a couple of promotions over the course of 4 years at work) with strong professional references, will probably be chosen over a candidate with a 3.6 from a more highly ranked university with a similar GMAT score but no work experience or work experience with no notable accomplishments.</p>

<p>In short, regardless of where you go to college, if you do well, get a high score on the GMAT and work well for 3-4 years at a company earning a couple of promotions and strong letters of reference, you will do great when applying to top MBA programs.</p>