Georgetown or Kelley or Kenan-Flagler

I think we are somewhat splitting hairs comparing Kelley vs. Georgetown and the brand value, recognition within the US or outside and within MBA-aware circles or not. I can tell you that if you told my sister in law you went to "Kelly" she would have thought that's your girl-friend's name. She would not have known McDonough either but she would know Indiana or Georgetown and Georgetown would have a higher name recognition/awareness for her. That may be different for a hiring manager though. I would strongly recommend trying to research companies you are thinking of pursuing after your MBA and checking if they hire in any of these schools (you can do it in a few ways - you can troll Linked In, you can reach out to adcoms, and you can also check with current students).

This is actually the second time within a week that someone pointed out that Kelley fees are lower, much lower, than others... I guess I am a slow learner. In that case, I think Kelley is my new-found best recommendation. It is slightly bitty higher up on the rankings than Georgetown and slightly lower than K-F UNC. Updated US News rankings are coming out in a week, so you can wait and see how that plays out (it does not matter frankly but it may give you that needed sense of confidence if Kelley moves up in ranks).

I think the main downside of Kelley or UNC is that anything you will be interviewing or searching for will be remote. The closest big city is Chicago (St. Louis, Indianapolis, Nashville, Detroit are secondary) but in Chicago there is Booth and Kellogg there already. I am surprised not to see any Kelley reviews in our Business Schools Reviews area, wish we had some.

Good Luck!
BB

I vote Georgetown, it will be much easier to recruit being in a major city + added $$$.

I believe Kelley is rated higher, but in the Northeast (Im in Boston) Georgetown has a much better/more well known reputation. Rankings dont mean much with programs ranked between 25-50 IMO, its all regional.

I would strongly consider whether you want to be in DC or Bloomington both during your MBA and after graduating. Those are 2 VERY different places.

Hi,
Congrats for admit. I will throw my 2 cents.

As a Operation specialist, I would clearly rule out Georgetown from the list as it is not powerhouse for supply chain like other schools. Although it is tempting to be in big city, I would not choose a school that does not provide real opportunity academically and professionally to my career. The job market is tough for internationals so I would go for the school that allow me access to those opportunities. In SC circulation, Indiana has great MBA-SC focus better than KF. I was in contact with different student and friends over years, professors and career director and I was there as well.

1- Kelley has the concept of academy which will support your transition from IT to supply chain. It is powerful privilege to equip you with cases, guests, visits....etc. You can even be different and utilize you experince in IT. please read the following:
mendoza-full-tuition-waiver-vs-broad-fellowship-ga-for-consultin-214163.html

2- The SC/Operation track is packed with strong electives that provide you with knowledge. You can combine with certain electives from marketing to help in you retail such as channel marketing and pricing strategy. To be fair, KF provides strong electives for retail also but not for SC as whole.

3- Beside Indiana, in the mid west, you will be close proximity to manufacturing states such as: Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan. It is now easy to fly as you need to take 1 hr to Indianapolis airport and fly from there. It is the same but somehow easier if you are in KF.

4- Living in Bloomington will cost you less, especially if you live in the west side. The center is expensive because it is hub for undergrad. The school provides transportation for students either for free or at modest fee ($1) but I do not remember exactly.


Being in Indiana or KF or Georgetown will affect where you will end up working and living, if you have any preferences or family relatives. So you won't lose. You are winner in all cases

Bloomington has 4-5 Indian restaurants which are considered reasonable but not perfect as the those in Chapel Hill or DC

I hop it helps

Good luck

Kenan Flagler is the best school out of the 3, with Kelly being 2nd.

But if Gtown is offering you money, just go with it.

Thank you, Mo2men. I am leaning towards Kelley as well because like you said, Georgetown does not have a good foothold in Operations. KF, unfortunately, is way too expensive. Appreciate the other details about the academy structure and retail electives you have helped me take into account as well.

About the Indian restaurants - I think I'll be happier with lesser Indian restaurants around me as it means more of other cuisines to enjoy! Perfect Indian food (with all its spice n glory) will be what I can cook