<p>I am majoring in Engineering, but I can't decide between the state school UConn and the expensive USC.</p>
<p>Does it matter where I go if the ultimate goal is to get an MBA?
Or is it just about work experience?</p>
<p>The benefit of the top undergrad schools is easier access to good jobs and networking; this leads to better work experience. Assuming two candidates have the same work experience, I would say school is not important.</p>
<p>I think a small amount of bias is placed on prestigious undergraduate institutions, but in the broad scope of admissions, the school is not as important as the individual’s GPA and profile.</p>
<p>in a word: NO</p>
<p>If you can get the same job with a state school as you could at USC, then go to a state school. You will be happy you saved the money for your MBA later on.</p>
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<p>I agree, mostly, though a 3.7+ GPA from a top-flight school (particularly one NOT known for grade inflation) will look stronger than a 3.7+ from a no-name school. The latter won’t hurt you, but the former will help you.</p>
<p>I unselfishly chose the state school over top schools because of the fact that I got a full-ride—meaning my dad wouldn’t have to push his retirement back—and because of a relationship I was in and am still in (wife-to-be). </p>
<p>Anyway, I’m now about to finish up my sophomore year with a 3.95 GPA and I’ve wondered the same thing as you, often times thinking that my chances are likely doomed at top 10 MBA programs due to the undergrad school I chose to attend. Because of this, I’m not really expecting to get into a Top 10. I’m most interested in Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Illinois, Ohio State, & Wisconsin. All of these schools are awesome, but at least a tier beneath the big boys. </p>
<p>I try to compare the cost of attending the school to the average starting salary upon obtaining an MBA from that particular school when evaluating (albeit superficially) programs and comparing them to one another. </p>
<p>Who knows? Maybe I’ll be like Chris Brown and the GMAT will be my Rihanna? If that’s the case and I score a 700+, maybe I could sniff the Top 10. Considering I’m in Alabama, I might have the 'ol “diversity” factor on my side.</p>
<p>I know, you’re surprised.</p>
<p>But yes, we do have computers down here. </p>
<p>Paved roads, too.</p>
<p>If it were up to me then I’d definitely take the undergrad school into consideration. I’m at USC’s Marshall right now and I know that I work my tail off much more than my other friends at other colleges especially Cal-states. Just my opinion.</p>