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 Officer Mindy Oakley. This is what she 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." - Mindy served on the Admissions Committee at Wharton, where she also earned her MBA. | 
