Business school applicants often ask us whether the name of the college
that awarded their undergraduate degree can hurt their MBA admissions chances.
In other words, will an admissions committee think less of someone who attended a state university instead of Harvard or Yale?
We put that question to Admissions Consultant Matt Whitaker. This is what he told us:
"The reputation of an applicant's undergraduate institution isn't nearly as important in the MBA admissions process as most applicants think.
"In my experience, what matters more are how well an applicant can answer two questions:
"One – why was the undergraduate institution selected?
"And, two – how did the applicant make the most of the experience?
"The MBA admissions process isn't about weeding out people who don't have the best perceived pedigree.
It's about identifying people who have stood out from their peers, taken on leadership roles, and made the most of every opportunity.
"Take the time in your application to articulate why you chose the specific undergraduate institution that
you attended. Don't apologize if you don't think it's
'good enough,' but do explain what your decision process
was. Then spend time highlighting your success stories from undergrad and
showing how your undergrad experience has helped shape your career decisions and path to date."
– Matt
served on the Admissions Committee at Booth, where he
also earned his MBA.
