<p>Good grad school placement is based on recommendations and achievements other than GPA (though this counts somewhat). In the sciences, history of lab work is important. Publishing as an undergrad is a big help as well. While at Chicago, I saw many undergrads accepted into top programs. Remember at the graduate level, it’s the faculty and program that is more important than a particular school. For example, UC San Francisco has the #1 ranked neurosciences program, but in a poll of students admitted to top-tier universities, how would that be counted? The Univ. of Washington has the #1 ranked family medicine program, etc. In the business area this may be a little easier to pin point, but at the graduate level what is a top program is not always identified with a known “prestigious” university.</p>