How much do business schools care about your undergrad school? For example, would it look better to have a 3.9 GPA at an average state school or a 3.4 at, say, a school like the University of Southern California? Also, is it a bad idea to do business Admin as an UG major?
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Ah, the age-old question of prestige vs. performance! When it comes to MBA admissions, the truth is, it's not just about the numbers or the name. Let's break it down:
Undergrad School Prestige vs. GPA: Both the prestige of your undergrad institution and your GPA play significant roles in MBA admissions. A 3.9 GPA at an average state school demonstrates strong academic performance and discipline, which are highly valued by admissions committees. On the other hand, a 3.4 at a prestigious institution like the University of Southern California also carries weight, as it reflects the ability to perform well in a competitive environment. Admissions committees are well aware of the differences in grading standards and the rigor of various institutions. They often look for the context of your achievements. So, a high GPA at any school is good, but a slightly lower GPA at a highly respected institution can also be viewed favorably, especially if accompanied by a strong overall profile.
Major in Business Administration: Choosing to major in Business Administration is not a bad idea at all, especially if you're passionate about it. It provides a solid foundation in business principles and practices, which can be beneficial for MBA studies. However, MBA programs also value diversity in academic backgrounds. They appreciate candidates who bring a variety of perspectives and skills to the table. So, whether your undergrad major is in business, engineering, humanities, or any other field, what's more important is how you've leveraged your education in your professional life and how you articulate your desire for further study in business.
Remember, MBA admissions committees look at the entirety of your application, including your work experience, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, essays, and recommendations. Your undergrad institution and GPA are important, but they're just parts of a larger picture. Showcasing a well-rounded profile, clear career goals, and a strong rationale for pursuing an MBA can significantly boost your application, regardless of where you went to undergrad or what you studied.
So, to all the aspiring MBAs out there, focus on building a compelling story that highlights your strengths, achievements, and potential. That's the key to standing out in the admissions process.
Sources: How much does the undergraduate school you go to matter for MBA admissions? (Deciding schools right now), Undergrad B-School Environment Changing, Good undergraduate business schools for a highschooler.
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Went to H/S/W - the most important thing is work experience and having some semblence of a unique story.
If you’re a high school student, then the best thing to do right now is target a high GPA at a strong school. If you’re already in college, then just focus on getting the highest GPA you can while targeting roles that place well into bschools and crafting your story.
It’s hard to say who wins out between high GPA at a worse school vs low GPA at a better school because those are both pretty low on totem pole when it comes to admissions. I’d say lower GPA at a better school would be better because average/median GPAs at bschools aren’t anything to write home about but there are still plenty of state school kids at M7 programs.
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