Bridget
If undergraduate university does not matter, why am I being disregarded and overlooked in the job field and MBA admissions process?
I attend a fairly new, medium size, public state university. I have a 3.94 GPA and a list of involvement and service hours. I want to apply to MBA programs in about a year (after graduation,{grad. Fall 2018}), but I am wondering if the admissions officers will overlook my profile because I attended a low key university for my undergrad. #college #business #graduate-school #college-admissions #mba
6 answers
Justin Pollack
Justin’s Answer
Before test scores or undergraduate college, MBA programs look at prior work experience. Note that an MBA is unlike other degree programs as it pairs academic learning with prior knowledge from previous work.
It is quite difficult and inadvisable to get admission to a top MBA program without at least a couple of years of work experience. Business schools look to build class cohorts that consist of students with varied backgrounds and skills. This allows everyone to draw from real professional experiences in classroom discussions and group projects. The few students who lack such experience -- in business or any other field -- tend not to have anything relevant to contribute.
Thus, I would strongly suggest you look for a long full-time job to follow your college graduation. This will help you sharpen your areas of interests and allow you to build a better profile for your MBA application. Moreover, it will make you a better candidate for full-time jobs after completing your graduate degree. Employers generally look for mature candidates with prior experience when recruiting from MBA programs.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
The prestige of your undergraduate university can indeed influence your standing in the job market and MBA admissions, but it's essential to remember that it isn't the only measure of your potential.
The reputation of your university can impact MBA admissions as it often reflects the quality of its students, faculty, and resources. However, top-tier MBA programs also weigh other elements of an applicant's profile, such as work history, GMAT/GRE scores, recommendation letters, essays, and interviews. They appreciate a diverse classroom, which includes candidates from a range of educational backgrounds.
In the job market, recruiters might initially be drawn to renowned universities because of their reputation. However, once you're part of the workforce, your performance, skills, and experiences become more significant than your alma mater. Employers value team members who can contribute to their organization's success and growth.
Here are some tactics to bolster your profile, even if you attended a less recognized undergraduate institution:
Acquire relevant work experience: Prioritize securing internships and full-time roles in respected companies or organizations that match your career aspirations. This will help you develop a robust professional network and prove your ability to thrive in your chosen field.
Excel in standardized tests: A high GMAT or GRE score can counterbalance any perceived disadvantage from attending a less recognized undergraduate institution. It highlights your capacity for demanding academic work.
Obtain strong recommendation letters: Seek recommendations from professionals who can vouch for your skills, achievements, and potential for success in an MBA program or the job market.
Compose a compelling personal statement: In your application essays, emphasize how your background, experiences, and accomplishments have equipped you for an MBA program or a specific career path. Showcase your unique journey and illustrate how you differentiate from other applicants.
Network extensively: Participate in industry events, become a member of professional organizations, and utilize alumni networks to connect with individuals in your desired field or MBA program. Networking can open doors and help you establish relationships that may positively influence your career prospects.
Pursue additional qualifications: Think about earning professional certifications or enrolling in specialized training programs that can boost your skills and make you more competitive in the job market or MBA admissions process.
Showcase extracurricular involvement: Highlighting your commitment to extracurricular activities, volunteering, or leadership roles can demonstrate your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and contribute to a community—valuable traits for both MBA programs and employers.
While attending a prestigious undergraduate institution can offer advantages in some instances, it isn't the only factor determining success in the job market or MBA admissions process. Concentrate on building a solid professional profile by gaining relevant experience, honing skills, networking, and showcasing your unique strengths and accomplishments.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Seth Staugler
Seth’s Answer
Since business schools are professional schools designed to prepare students to thrive in the business world, these schools also seek students with the leadership skills necessary to succeed in business. In addition to evaluating a student's test scores and grades, a top MBA program will consider whether the student has a history of making meaningful contributions to the organizations where he or she has worked. I cannot stress enough how much leadership experience can enhance a candidate's application.
I hope that helps and good luck.
Michelle S
Michelle’s Answer
Very interesting question. For starters, it is very difficult to know the true process of the admission's office on how they accept students. I remember I was told when applying for grad school that if it is a school that I am interested in and I meet at least the minimum requirements (as long as I had the funds for the admission fee) I should go ahead and apply. In terms of why they are disregarding you, I will say that it is NOT because of your GPA nor what university you came from. If you are pursuing to get an MBA then what you are missing is test results! So either the GRE or the GMAT. I would argue that one of the most important things in getting a higher education like an MBA is your test score. You need to see what the requirements are for the admission whether they only accept the GMAT, or do they accept the GRE and/or the LSAT. When I was studying for the GRE, I was told that the GMAT is harder and the system of the exam can be stressful. So take the time to research and see what your desired program requires.
The reason for such a test is to see if you are ready for the work in getting a higher education. They want to see how ready you are. And again, there is no certainty on how they fill their pool of admissions so let's say you took the GMAT twice and you send your scores, they might take the average of the two scores and regard your GPA or specific classes you take into consideration.
The second most important thing is your letter of admission. You need to put your own true self into the letter. Show your drive, your uniqueness, skills, and ambitions. You have to show that you took the time to research that program/school and let the admission's officers know that you chose that school because it fits your needs.
To sum up, you should not be worried about your GPA or where you attended, look into preparing for either the GMAT or GRE if the MBA program you are seeking requires it. And take the time to really plan and research before making your final decision. Good luck and I hope this answers your question!
Thomas Shapiro
Thomas’s Answer
I think Justin (above) hits the nail on the head here. For an MBA, most highly regarded programs will only consider you if you have a minimum of 2-3 years of work experience. As he mentions, this is because you need real life experience to add value/perspective to your classes and discussions.
While I didn't serve on the admissions committee of my program, I know several people who did, and undergrad school and GPA were not at the top of the list of things they looked at. I would almost say they are more of bars to clear in the sense that if you have a really low GPA -- that's a red flag (can be overcome)-- or if your undergrad school is particularly out of step with the caliber of MBA program, they may give more scrutiny, but doubtful they would pass you over because of your undergrad school if you have a good GPA, high GMAT scores and work experience that adds value.
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As for job market after college, the number one piece of advice I can give to you is network. Applying for jobs over the internet is necessary, but it's always better if you have spoken to someone that works at the company who can either refer you or point you in the right direction of someone in HR.
Thomas recommends the following next steps:
Manish Kumar
Manish’s Answer
Great Question!
I would suggest you to think about MBA application as a complete package and not as a single make or break factor led process. There are three major areas, an applicant generally gets measured on : Academic, Professional, and Extra Curricular. Academic is your high school, bachelor degree, and other educational qualifications. Professional is your current and past work experience. Extra Curricular are the various activities you have been involved over a period of time.
While Graduating from a top university strengthens applicant's profile, graduating from low-key university necessarily does not weaken, if the applicant can justify the reason or shows promise to improve. In the academic bucket, if you get a good GMAT score, they will be satisfied that you are efficient to complete the course. That's all thy want to know from this bucket that you will not bring class IQ level down and that you have something to contribute. I myself is from a low-key undergrad institution, however, my GMAT score and other academic achievement helped me to convince a few top schools in US and EU of my aptitude.
Think of MBA application as your life story. You want to talk about your past, your current, and your future. However, Why you think it is hard to reach your dreams, and how MBA can assist and prepare you to reach there quicker and smarter. It is not so much about any one factor, but how different factors come together to tell a story that has MBA as a critical part of it.
Rather than worrying about your past, reach out to schools you wanna apply and ask if you can take some course t further strengthen your academic qualifications.