Earning admission into graduate school: Does undergraduate “brand” matter?
In recent posts, we urged students to approach the college admission process with a “big picture” perspective and to consider long-term goals before “breaking the bank” on an expensive elite college, particularly if they had plans to pursue a profession that required graduate schooling. We cited medicine, law, and even business, and asserted that employers in these fields focus primarily on candidates’ graduate degrees and experiences. In response to this argument, we received dozens of inquiries requesting that we elaborate upon the relationship between undergraduate and graduate education. “Don’t graduate schools prefer students from elite colleges?” one respondent asked. We received several other emails—even one from a Harvard Law grad—noting the many individuals who possessed elite degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Undergraduate representation at Harvard Business School
Undergraduate representation at Harvard Law School
Undergraduate representation at Yale Law School
Undergraduate representation at Washington University Medical School
Surprised?
Our intent here is not to argue against attending a prestigious undergraduate institution. In fact, we encourage nearly all of our high-achieving students to at least consider elite colleges, particularly if they prove affordable and especially because they offer academically stimulating environments and excellent preparation for graduate education. Rather, our intent is to dispel myths surrounding the link between undergraduate and graduate admission. If you have dreams of attending an elite graduate school but are unable to attend an elite college, DON’T WORRY! There are plenty of other less selective colleges that offer a clear pathway to graduate and professional success. Remember, where you attend college is not nearly as important as what you do while there.
A former admissions professional and adjunct faculty member, Michael knows firsthand what students need in order to be successful on a college campus. His experience in college admissions, enrollment management, intercollegiate athletics, student support services, student life and other areas, allows him to help students transition smoothly into the best good-fit colleges.
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