Admissions Statistics:
- US Undergraduate Degrees: According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which conducts the GMAT exam, applicants with US undergraduate degrees made up the largest proportion (44%) of MBA applicants at US business schools in 2021.
- Canadian Undergraduate Degrees: Canadian applicants represented a smaller proportion of the applicant pool at US business schools, with around 5% of applicants holding a Canadian undergraduate degree.
Grade Conversion:
- US Undergraduate Degrees: Most US universities follow a 4-point GPA system, which makes it straightforward for admissions committees to assess applicant's academic achievements.
- Canadian Undergraduate Degrees: Canadian universities may have different grading systems (e.g., percentage-based or letter grades) that require admissions committees to convert grades to a standard GPA scale for comparison.
Curriculum Differences:
- US Undergraduate Degrees: US undergraduate business programs often have a more extensive curriculum that covers core business subjects, such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations.
- Canadian Undergraduate Degrees: Canadian undergraduate business programs may offer more flexibility and allow students to explore a broader range of subjects outside of business.
Research Opportunities:
- US Undergraduate Degrees: US universities may offer more research opportunities for undergraduate students, which can enhance an applicant's profile for MBA admissions.
- Canadian Undergraduate Degrees: Canadian universities may also offer research opportunities, but they might be more limited in scope compared to larger US institutions.
Professional Experience:
- Both: Regardless of the undergraduate degree, strong professional experience, leadership, and career progression are critical for MBA admissions.
In summary:
- US undergraduate degrees are more common among applicants to US MBA programs, and the 4-point GPA system may simplify the admissions process.
- Canadian undergraduate degrees offer a diverse curriculum and may provide opportunities for research, but the admissions committee might need to convert grades for evaluation.
Ultimately, the admissions decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's profile, and both US and Canadian undergraduate degrees can be paths to a successful MBA application.