Does reputation of your undergraduate college helps in admi

[ethanhunt]

Hi guys,

I have a serious query.
My Gre score is 1460. But my acads are little towards the down side.
I am from india.
I did my BE(Electronics) from not a very reputed college and got 59%.
In india 60% is considered first class.

SO ,when applying to US univs. is it true that if someone prior to you is already selected at the college where you intend to apply the your chances of being admitted increase?
DOes reputation of you UNdergraduate College play an important part in getting admissions

Please help................
Thanx

[bilu]

well, the admission ppl say that it is a factor. its probably not that significant compared with gre's, recommendations, etc. i guess when they're evaluating your academic record they'll note the reputation of your school, how academically rigorous it is. clearly, say, a 3.5 at a third tier school such as northeastern or xxx state is not the same as a 3.5 at harvard. and if the school your applying to has a substantial number of foreign students from your country/educational background then they'll be cognizant of the difference in the grading system. it wouldnt hurt to stress the median score/grade and give your relative academic standing when your make your formal application though.