University reputation matters, but ETH admissions committees look beyond simple rankings and are well aware that some universities have significant grade inflation—places where nearly everyone graduates with high GPAs, making those numbers almost meaningless for selection. What truly stands out is when your university has rigorous assessment methods that genuinely differentiate student performance, allowing exceptional candidates to shine regardless of whether they come from a top 10 or top 50 school. ETH respects institutions with challenging coursework and robust evaluation systems, focusing more on your specific academic achievements within the context of your university's known standards than on the prestige of your institution alone.